1989 Buick Century Crankshaft Noise

BUICK CENTURY
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HAMBEAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My auto is a 1989, Buick Century, Custom, 3.1L 189 CID V6 engine

I am hearing a loud crank type of noise when I crank up, I have removed the belt to see if I continue to hear the noise and I continue to hear the noise (louder once I put the belt back on the car).

The noise continues as the car is running.

I was told maybe the harmonic balancer?

Does this sound like that part?

WHat can it be? Can I repair it myself?

thanks

hambeam@juno.com
Feb 19, 2007 at 1:21 AM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,375 POSTS
it very well could be the balancer , and if you took the belt off you can take the balancer off , you will need a puller though, i would pull the balancer and run the engine and see what you have ,

good job checking by the way , your on the right track start simple

jim
Feb 19, 2007 at 1:41 AM

Suggested Repair

Remove the accessory belt and use a harmonic balancer puller to remove the balancer, then briefly run the engine to see whether the noise remains. If the noise stops, replace the harmonic balancer. Start with this simple isolation check.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1989 Buick Century 3.1L hears a loud crank-type noise at startup that continues while the engine runs. Removing the belt did not stop the noise, although it was louder with the belt installed. The owner asked whether the harmonic balancer could be responsible and whether the repair could be done at home. The expert said the balancer is a likely cause and recommended pulling it off with a puller, then running the engine to isolate the noise.

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