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Shouldn't all the pulleys used w/ serpentine belt be aligned?

Tiny
INKD4LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
  • 159,000 MILES
Ok. My car died while driving down the road a little over a week ago. Due to our own stupidity, I had to replace the radiator. Then I changed fuel filter, spark plugs & filled tank using a gum out additive for fuel injector/ carb cleaner. When I try starting it, it sounds like its not getting fuel. I have been using the pressure test port to remove plain fuel in order to get additive up there & then I noticed that my bottom pulley is protruding further than the others & the belt is only about 1/2 way on that one. Loosen, test all pulleys, ( only 1 that doesn't turn), fix belt & retighten. Try to start again & it goes right back to where it was. How do I repair & can u tell me what that pully goes to? It is the bottom left one on diagram. Also, if you have any advice for the car running, I sure would appreciate it.
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 12:48 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
I need to know what engine we are dealing with so I can look up the belt schematic. As far as the running, are you sure you are getting enough fuel pressure? Have you checked it? Also, are you getting spark? The bottom pulley is usually the crank pulley. If it is sticking out, that isn't good and of course, the crank sensor wouldn't work. Thus, no spark to the plugs. Let me know about the engine size and if you think the pulley is the crank pulley. It will be directly from the bottom of the engine and runs the others.
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 2:49 AM
Tiny
INKD4LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
It is a 3.1 & yes, someone mentioned the crank pulley. The engine sits sideways so this is facing passenger side of car, bottom pulley, closest to cab of car. That would definitely make sense. I installed new spark plugs so I never thought to check for spark. I did not hook up a gauge for pressure, but when we are trying to start, I push in the valve & have very good pressure.
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 3:40 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Take a look at the diagram I attached. Tell me if it is the tensionier (I hope) or the crankshaft. If it is the tensionier, that is an easy and inexpensive fix.
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 4:29 AM
Tiny
INKD4LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
No, it's the crankshaft. The big 1 on the bottom. I loosened the tensioner to fix the belt once already. Re-tightend & tried to start & it popped over again. Please don't tell me very bad news! LOL. I have put so much money I don't have into this car already & then, I still have to fix my daughters so we can move. Ugh! Ok. Tell me. Haha, cause I gotta fix it regardless..
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 4:51 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Okay, the harmonic balancer that the pulley attaches to could be bad and allowing the pulley to move out. You need to remove the belt and then remove the pulley and tensionier to inspect it. If the engine was running fine, chances are that is the problem. You could get one at a salvage yard for cheap. Check it and let me know what you find. Also, I bet you that if you check for spark, there is none. The crank sensor isn't finding the balancer. Thus, no spark.
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 4:55 AM
Tiny
INKD4LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Ok. I will start on that 1st thing in the morning & let you know. Thank you very, very, very much. I was @ a total loss as to what to do next & my friend just happened to see the belt.
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 5:46 AM
Tiny
INKD4LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
OK. Went out & removed the belt & the tensioner, but have a question about the pulley. Is the whole pulley supposed to spin w/ the bolt. Because it is, but if not, I'd have to stick a breaker bar or something in there. I figure if I get it off tonight, I'm a little ahead.
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 6:35 AM
Tiny
INKD4LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Should the pulley be spinning w/ the bolt.
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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 AT 9:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Sorry I didn't get back sooner. Yes, it is normal for it to turn. You are turning the engine over by hand. Use a breaker bar and hit it a few times with a hammar. It should break the bolt loose. If you can wedge a pry bar or screw driver to hold the pulley still, that will help too. There will be a shear key on the crank so the harmonic balancer (behind pulley) only fits on one way. Make sure you don't loose it.
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Monday, September 19th, 2011 AT 12:39 AM

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