The Bronx Bull

This is my '96 Buick - I'm getting ready to move to Arizona, from NY, and want to drive this car there! So I need to iron out this problem.

Watch the video for the sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDn-L9aQmV0

Starting the car when cold, the sound is barely noticeable, but when the car warms up, it becomes very loud. It's intermittent. I've noticed that my temp gauge rarely rises above 1/4 of the way, and it generally runs cold (although this may be a gauge issue, as they suck in this car). The sound is cyclic in nature, and is not coming from the alternator, but rather the front right portion of the engine (i.e. water pump, power steering pump, and accessory belt). It does not seem to be a belt squeak, however, since I coated it with belt dressing, and this had no affect.

Aside from this, the car still runs flawlessly. I have to take care of this problem today though.

The Bronx Bull

Need help gents!!

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Go to the store and purchase a mechanics stethoscope. You can use that to confirm which pulley/component the sound is coming from.

If your temperature isn't coming up all the way, you could have a bad thermostat.

The Bronx Bull

Thanks! This was the AC compressor clutch, by the way.

Jr.Samples

My wife has the same engine in a GP. It would eat belts and make a similar noise. After belt, tentioner, water pump it ended up being the harmonic balancer coming apart. It slid apart from the rubber insert in it.

Just an FYI on the 3.1.