gearhead68

iTrader: (2)

I have been lurking here forever and after a year long search I found a super clean 2005 cts-v that has had all the common problems addressed on warranty. Rear diff, new radio, new transmission, etc. All dealer receipts came with it. Picked it up yesterday and was driving it today, it loses the A/C. Stopped to get gas and I suspected it lost the belt. Couldn't see nothing in the dark. Drove all the way home and pulled it in the garage and noticed it in fact, lost the A/c belt. The main serpentine belt was riding between the main grooves of the crank pulley and the a/c grooves of the pulley. I then realized, HOLY FREAKIN $#@T!!! The crank pulley/balancer came loose and the harmonic balancer was walking forward off the crankshaft!! I did some reading and this seems to be a common problem with the LS engines if that bolt was removed and not replaced with a new one torqued to 240 ft/lb.
Any advice is welcome with encouragement to keep this car.

JOHN STEPHENS

I had this problem right after i bought my car. Took it all apart and replaced the bolt and torqued it to specs. havnt had a problem since.
also replaced all my belts while i was in there.

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

Might have had a cam in it at one time. Stock bolts are torque to yield(one time use) unless you buy an ARP which is reuseable. I would just grab a new GM bolt and torque it back down.

gearhead68

iTrader: (2)

This car has an extensive paper trail of trips to the dealer and there is evidence of a socket on that bolt. Is there any sensors behind the harmonic balancer that would require removal?
Other than a magnaflow catback, it is completely stock. I was in panic mode a bit earlier but will probably pick up a new bolt from the dealer apply some loctite and retorque it. Thanks for the advice.

JOHN STEPHENS

no sensors behind the balancer that i recall. but dont quote me haha.

JJSimon904

iTrader: (8)

Oil pump and timing chain are behind the timing cover.

LS2duc

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=gearhead68;15191674]I have been lurking here forever and after a year long search I found a super clean 2005 cts-v that has had all the common problems addressed on warranty.

You bought it yesterday? I would take it straight back to the seller and describe what you found, then ask for some $$ refund. That's me. Most states have some kind of protection when you buy a used vehicle, private sale or dealer. Mine (MA) is 30 days and you can get full refund if anything goes wrong. Check your state laws.

Derek98z

iTrader: (55)

Dealer wouldn't reuse the crank bolt. It is only $5. Seller had the pulley off for a reason. Threads in the crank might be stripped too.

gearhead68

iTrader: (2)

You bought it yesterday? I would take it straight back to the seller and describe what you found, then ask for some $$ refund. That's me. Most states have some kind of protection when you buy a used vehicle, private sale or dealer. Mine (MA) is 30 days and you can get full refund if anything goes wrong. Check your state laws.[/QUOTE]

Considering the situation, it took a year to find the car I wanted.
I took the car to the dealer and we tried to use his warranty that supposedly covers everything. Guess what, it doesn"t cover engine fasteners and whatever it tears up when it comes loose. In this case, balancer, bolt, and the 2 belts. Fortunately that was it and I caught it before there was any more damage.
Besides, the dealers best engine guy told me to torque the bolt with an impact wrench and don't worry about it, thats OK, after hearing that, I'm glad they didn't work on it.
Don't ever buy a warranty, unless it is purchased from the dealer.

gearhead68

iTrader: (2)

Seller kept all receipts, no reason to be back there, who knows. Threads were not stripped. Its torqued to 240ft./lbs. now.

Skidmarcx

Sucks to hear about problems so soon... I too had a few issues right after I bought mine used. Welcome to the Caddy club