1993 Saturn SC2 Belt Squeal and Smoke

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INDESTINY
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My daughter has a 93 SC2 and it has been making an annoying squealing noise for some time. We had the surpentine belt changed and it temp. stopped, now it has returned and is almost always a constant noise. As of yesterday it began to smoke and a light the looks like a water thermometer is flashing ( by my daughters description) . Could this be the water pump? And how much is one for this older model, hard to find :?: :roll:
Feb 15, 2006 at 5:11 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
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The light that is blinking should be for low coolant. The coolant tank has a float switch that turns the light on when the level gets below the prescibed point.

Check the coolant level and check for leaks. Dried coolant leaves a whitish stain. Waterpump leaks can be hard to find as the coolant is flung by the spinning pulley every which way. Sounds like a safe bet tho.

The DOHC engine was still being used in the 2002 models with some updates. I do believe the pump is the same. They are reasonably inexpensive and readily available.

Not too hard for a do it yourself project. The pulley bolts can be very stubborn to remove. Post back if you want to try it yourself. I've done it recenltly and can give you a good bit of advice.

Remove the belt and spin all the pulleys by hand to be sure something else is not failing. Double check the belt and the tensioner while it is off. Also if you do replace the pump I would suggest flushing the coolant system and replacing the thermostat while your at it.

Good luck and let us know how you make out. :wink:
Feb 15, 2006 at 7:37 AM
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INDESTINY
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I would like to do it myself with my husbands help. Can you guide me along with a few helpful hints or suggestions.
Thanks for your response. :P
Feb 15, 2006 at 9:25 AM
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LOVESCARS
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check the belt idler pully
Feb 15, 2006 at 9:42 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
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Sure. No sweat. Check to be sure that is your problem first. You could have a bearing going bad in anyone of the belt driven accessories (Alternator, power steering pump, idler pulley, and tensioner pulley. You could also have a leak from the radiator, hoses, or coolant tank.

Look for a leak from the water pump from underneath.

When your sure it's your pump post back and I'll give ya a "How To".
Feb 15, 2006 at 9:48 AM
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INDESTINY
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We have replaced the tensioner, a top hose and the air filter. It has been quiet so far.

Thank you
:P
Feb 28, 2006 at 10:28 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
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Knock on wood. :D
Feb 28, 2006 at 10:30 AM
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Suggested Repair

Confirm the cause before replacing the water pump. Check the coolant level and look for leaks, including whitish dried-coolant stains; a water-pump leak can be hard to see because the pulley flings coolant. Remove the belt and spin the alternator, power-steering, idler, and tensioner pulleys by hand, and inspect the belt and tensioner. Here the noise stopped after the tensioner, an upper hose, and the air filter were replaced. If the pump is confirmed bad, replace it, flush the cooling system, and replace the thermostat; the pulley bolts can be stubborn.

Conversation Summary

A 1993 Saturn SC2 had a persistent squeal after a serpentine belt replacement, then began smoking with a flashing temperature-style warning light. An expert said the light indicates low coolant and advised checking the level and leaks, including a possible water-pump leak, and spinning the belt-driven pulleys to check for a bad bearing in the alternator, power-steering pump, idler, or tensioner. Another reply suggested checking the belt idler pulley. The owner later reported replacing the tensioner, an upper hose, and the air filter, after which it had been quiet.

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