Serpentine Accessory Belt - Noisey/Premature Wear

Bulletin No. T 87-60
File in Group 6B
Number 15
Corp. Ref. No. 716203
Date Jan. '87
SUBJECT: SERPENTINE ENGINE ACCESSORY BELT CONDITIONS

MODELS AFFECTED: ALL WITH TRANSVERSELY MOUNTED HT4100 ENGINES

Figure 1 - Generator/Idler Pulley Bracket:

The serpentine engine accessory drive belt used on transversely mounted HT4100 engines may experience premature belt wear and/or unusual belt noise conditions.

Belt Wear

Premature drive belt wear is usually caused by pulley misalignment. Serviceman Bulletin T-85-58 discusses this condition with emphasis on establishing correct idler pulley alignment. Beginning with the following 1986 vehicles (C-332942, E-612388, K-810146) design of the idler pulley and bracket changed to the cast aluminum design shown in Figure 1. Shimming of the pulley bracket as described in Bulletin T-85-58 should not be required with the cast bracket. Retrofit using the cast aluminum generator/idler pulley bracket can be accomplished by ordering the parts shown in Figure 1 if desired, however, this modification provides no advantages over a properly aligned stamped steel idler pulley bracket. This modification is not possible on 1985 vehicles before 321327 equipped with a 108 amp generator. The cast bracket is designed for the 120 amp generator only. Refer to Serviceman Bulletin T-85-106 for details of generator changes.
Belt Noise

Serpentine belt noise is most noticeable at idle. Various other drive system components (tensioner, A/C compressor, generator) may appear to be the cause of the noise which is the result of the belt. A new design drive belt was recently released for service use only under P/N 1643049 to replace 1625690 for all 1986 and 1987 C, E, K, and V cars and 1985 "C" cars after 321327 (120 amp generator). The belt can be easily identified by a six inch orange band on the outside diameter. This belt is not used in production.

Before replacing the belt to resolve a noise condition, inspect all of the pulleys in the accessory drive system for misalignment. This can be accomplished by observing the various pulleys with the engine running. Run-out or wobble will identify pulleys requiring attention. Observe particularly the crankshaft, AIR pump and water pump pulleys for run-out that may be induced by loose pulley fasteners. Properly aligning the idler pulley as described in Bulletin T-85-58 may also be indicated.

Once alignment of the belt drive system is confirmed, the service belt should be installed and the noise re-evaluated even if replacement of other components appears to be required. Frequently a belt tensioner which appears excessively "jumpy" can be fixed by belt replacement only. This is also true for belt noise which appears only with the A/C compressor engaged. If belt replacement fails to correct the condition, continue diagnosis of accessory components. Special tool J-36312 has been developed to aid accessory noise diagnosis by providing a series of belts designed to allow engine operation with each of the belt driven accessories eliminated in turn. J-36312 is available from:

Kent-Moore Tool Group Sealed Power Corporation 29784 Little Mack Roseville, Michigan 48066-2298 (313) 774-9500