IloveKaren

I just took my c6 automatic out of storage. I changed the battery, before i started her up.
She started up, no problem, but after driving a few miles I noticed a clattering sound from the engine when i would hit the gas. It sounded like the fan belt.
At first it didn't make the sound in neutral, but the next day when i started her up, the sound was louder while idle, so I didn't drive her.
I checked the oil, and it was full.
Anyone have any ideas on what it might be?

99NassauVette

It'll be really difficult to guess without seeing / hearing it. Would it be possible for you to take a video / sound clip of the noise you're hearing?

truckplay

a stuck lifter would have done it right away. i would suggest you watch the harmonic balancer while the engine runs and watch for excessive movement. if it is bad enough it could give you the noise you are hearing and they have been KNOWN TO FAIL.

IloveKaren

I'll do that , thx, I'll get it up asap

IloveKaren

This is what I'm hearing.

RLK

Could be a clogged injector from sitting.

RLK

That sounds like the harmonic balancer. Check when it's running if it has a wobble to it.

Uncle Meat

Sounds like a squeaky idler pulley to me.

U.M.

TheDingo

I'd guess that's the idler pulley. However, the belt tensioner could be making that noise as well. You're going to have to look down in there and see if anything is wobbling or moving in a way that it shouldn't be moving. It definitely sounds like it's something attached to the serp belt.

EDIT: Is Karen your car's name? lol just curious.

IloveKaren

Ha! Yes that's my Karen.

IloveKaren

I have no idea what the harmonic balancer is, or even what to look for that might be wobbly. I appreciate the feedback though. I'm taking her in to a friend who's a good mechanic and I'll tell him all that you guys have said. Thanks.

RLK

It's the bottom engine pulley about 6 inches in diameter . It has been an issue on Many C6s. Google c6 corvette harmonic balancer. You can also find it on YouTube . Put in c6 harmonic balancer wobble in the search window.

eboggs_jkvl

Tension pulley or harmonic balancer.

Elmer

99NassauVette

I'm putting my money on Tensioner!

IloveKaren

Thanks for pointing it out.
And yes, it is wobbling.
From what I've read here, it seems this is a somewhat common problem. Would you recommend taking it to the dealer over my regular mechanic ?
Do you think it'd be ok to drive her there (it's only about 1 mile away)?

beaversstonehaven

You did a very nice job on the video. Best of Luck on the repair and I do believe it would be OK to drive it to get it checked out.

IloveKaren

thanks
u vote for taking it to the dealer ?

seamus2154

To determine if it's the idler or the tensioner, start her up cold and spray WD40 or silicone onto the tensioner or idler at the bearing. If it stops for a bit thats it. Simple cheap fix, very common.

IloveKaren

The mechanic at the dealer told me the rubber that the harmonic balancer is attached to needs to be replaced, but not the harmonic balancer itself.
Is this a mistake?

Every post I've seen about the wobble tells of it being a common problem with c6's and then talks about how to replace the balancer