Throwing Belts, Ticking

[Fmstrat]

Been searching through the archive and found a lot on the ticking, but not on my problem specifically.

Car: 97 Eclipse GST Spyder
Miles: 80000
Crankwalk: At 70000 from previous owner, small block, timing belt, waterpump, other belts replaced right before I got it.

I've had a slight lifter tick since purchasing the car, and also a ticking from the belts area. A few days ago when it got cold the belts started squeaking. I started the car the next day and it threw both drive belts. They looked OK, so I remounted them, and everything was OK. This morning (2 days later) the alternator belt was thrown again.

After further inspection there appears to be a small point on the crank pulley that is bent inward. I'm thinking this could be the cause of the tick, and of the belt being thrown, but wouldn't that show wear on the belt after ~10000 miles of driving? I'd hate to spend $150 and a whole day replacing this thing if that's not it.

I have not yet done a crankwalk test, I plan to do that this weekend.


Thanks!

 

[clownface]

how do you test for crankwalk, i need to do that prolly

 

[Defiant]

You need a new harmonic balancer.

Crankwalk is checked with a dial indicator and a prybar.

 

[Trctnless]

"You need a new harmonic balancer."

Yep, same thing happend to me a while back. chewed AC BELT. If you look at the crank pully while someone revs the motor you will notice it moving back and forth from the block. SCARY> GET THAT FIXED>

 

[Fmstrat]

Whew, was praying people would say that instead of: "You have the worst case of crankwalk imaginable." That would explain my slightly rough idle.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the harmonic balancer on this car is part of the crank pulley right? That would work out nicely since I want to replace that anyway. Should I go for a stock or aftermarket pulley while I'm replacing anyway? Also, should I go with one that has a harmonic balancer, or without? I'm already used to a rough ride/idle, so it wouldn't bother me much. Kicking in a few extra horses would be nice, too.

Now I just have to figure out the ticking.

Thanks a ton guys.

 

[gixrman]

I would go with the factory balancer, heard bad things about the aftermarket crank pulleys f-ing everything up.

 

[Trctnless]

Yeah I would stay with STOCK. Most/ALL Aftermarket Crank pulleys DO NOT have a Harmonic balancer and can cause undue wear and strees on the crank. The HP gain is just not worth the risk.

 

[Fmstrat]

Cool. I've since been reading more and it looks like the only aftermarket one with an HB is the Buscher Racing one, and its pretty pricey. Think I'll run by the local dealer today and grab a stock one.

Thanks again guys.

 

[BUCK]

Another good thing about going with the Stock Harmonic Balancer is that it should be helpful when you can your balance shafts...

 

[Defiant]

Originally posted by BUCK
Another good thing about going with the Stock Harmonic Balancer is that it should be helpful when you can your balance shafts...

Oh, Buck, now just leave those poor balance shafts alone. Besides, they're called "Silent Shafts".

I think they're the only thing you and I disagree on. Eh, but I'm not racing, either.

 

[Fmstrat]

Welp, got the new pully, went to take the old one off, and it seperated with a simple tug. So yea, that was my problem, the new one works perfect. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Defiant]

Woot!