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Tensioner?
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Tensioner?
Just yesterday my 85 vette started make a rubbing grinding sound from the front of the engine. I took it to "Corvette Performance Auto" of Boise, ID. Where he told me the problem was the barings in the alternator. So I we down to auto zone and bought a replacement. He installed it, called me to tell me it was ready to pick up, but it was still making the same sound. So he gets out his stethoscope, and then tells me it is the tensioner, but he was not sure if it was the pulley, or the whole assembly. When he installed the new alternator, the mechanic did not tight one of the bolts, which shot out of the alternator making a loud bang under the hood while I was driving. I went back, and he told me the bolt sheared, so he " removed the remaining portion of the bolt". On my way home I stopped to where I heard the bang, and found the "sheared" bold. Which was in perfect condition. Has the same numbers on it as the other bolts mounting the alternator. I hate being LIED TO! So I made he refund all the labor charges. Anyway, now I don't know if the problem is really the tensioner, and I am taking what the mechanic told me as FOOBAR. Anyone have any ideas. If it is the tensioner, do I need the whole assembly ( only available from GM for $130 ) or will the pulley do?
Darren, thanks.
Darren, thanks.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
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From: Kalama WA
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 433
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From: Miami Florida
Sorry to hear of your troubles. Hate other people touchin' my car.
Usually with tensioner it's the bearing which is under $15 and/or the spring at around $5. Minus well do both and be done with it.
Good luck!
Usually with tensioner it's the bearing which is under $15 and/or the spring at around $5. Minus well do both and be done with it.
Good luck!
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Joined: Dec 2004
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So, I went down to autozone and bought a new tensioner pulley. Anyone know how to put it in? I saw just one bolt going into the tensioner assembly, I did not see any near the pulley itself. Do I have to remove the whole assembly, and if I do, will I have to mess with the spring?
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Update on engine noise
So...I tried a hollow metal tube, trying to diagnose the problem. That didn't really tell me anything. I then pulled of the serpentine belt, to see if the was crankshaft pulley ( cause it would be the only pulley spinning ), and sure enough that is it. So I think there is something screwy with the timing chain. Does anyone know a good mechanic in Boise, ID? I already tried the local "Corvette specialist". Thanks to him, I have two new parts, but still the same problem. Does anyone know how much it will run me to get it checked out? I imagine it won't be cheap, they will have to pull the radiator, and other stuff.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Take the belt off and start the engine (you can run it like this for a few min. with no damage). If the "grinding" is gone, shut down and spin each of the belt driven accessories by hand (water pump, AIR pump, PS, alt. etc). It wont be as loud, but you should be able to hear & feel if you have a bad bearing. Of course, if you still have the noise while the belt is off and the engine is running, you may have other issues.