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1G Loud Clacking - Alt/WP/Crank Belt Coming Off

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thereef

10+ Year Contributor
100
0
Oct 5, 2010
Wichita, Kansas
So yesterday I was driving down the highway and I hear a loud crack like I ran over something, and see something roll out from under my car in my rear view mirror.

I'm fairly close to home so I limp home and start investigating. My belt fellt off my alternator. I had just changed out alternators so I just assumed it was my fault for not tightening things down far enough, my alternator tensioner is also missing.

So I go buy a new belt, install it, and drive a mile or two to make sure we're all good.

When I get back I check and again, the belt has fallen off & I hear a loud clacking noise (only thing spinning is harmonic balancer)

I'm guessing that these are symptoms of the balancer going out, but I LITERALLY just bought this dormon (i know, i know) less than 1500 miles ago.

I don't see any visual vibration, would I be able to see the HB literally wobbling?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
 
If your alternator tensioner is missing that is why your alt belt keeps coming off

LOL, guess I should have elaborated. I've got a bolt tightened down on the alternator / bracket and used a crow bar to give tension. The belts stayed on for a good 15-20 minutes now, but the clacking continues.

Sound has me very worried. I don't want to run the car anymore. :(
 
Check the crankshaft bolt for tightness and check the rubber dampener ring separating the two halves of the crankshaft pulley, the two halves of the crankshaft pulley are bonded together with the dampener ring. I've seen it come loose and walk a whole belt system one time.

Also check to make sure the water pump pulley is not put on upside down, the water pump pulley will extend much further then the rest of the system and shred belts. The water pump pulley should cup around your power steering slave pulley, with the rollpin lining up with both.
 
Yes I would definitely check the crank pulley I have seen one of those go first hand on the way to the shootout. pain in the but. Also check all pulley bolts including ones behind the pulley on the power steering pump. You said there is a alternator bolt, there should be two, a long one that goes front to back and creates tension and a short one that goes left to right and locks it down on the bracket.
 
Well, drove on the highway for about 5 minutes after thinking I solved the problem, lost power & coasted to a stop.. Tried starting the car once & heard the most disgusting metal on metal sound ever.

Got her towed home, tore off the head & found a quarter-inch sized hole in my #3 piston.

I also think my head has been marred beyond repair, so I'll probably have to replace it.

Sigh. . . :(
 
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