Engine - Snapping Noise In the Engine Compartment

9232oldsmobile06

NUMBER: 92-T-94

CORP.REF.NO: 276104

DATE: June 1992

SECTION: 6A7, L4


SUBJECT:
SNAPPING NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR FRONT OF ENGINE
- REPLACE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY

MODELS/YEARS:
1987-92 CUTLASS CALAIS, ACHIEVA, CUTLASS
SUPREME WITH 2.3L (VIN A, D, 3) ENGINE


CONDITION:
A snapping noise in the engine compartment near the front of the engine.

CAUSE:
A static electric charge may be built up in the crankshaft pulley outer ring by serpentine belt friction. If the charge builds to a high enough level, it discharges by arcing to the engine front cover. A snapping sound, similar to a spark plug wire arcing to ground, is created. This static build up is more likely in low humidity conditions and with a serpentine belt which has been in use. The arcing may not be apparent at all in higher humidity conditions and is less likely with a new belt.

CORRECTION:
Verify the crankshaft pulley is discharging to front cover. Discharge can be seen when engine compartment is relatively dark. Replace crankshaft pulley with updated grounded outer ring crankshaft pulley. Refer to Parts Information for correct crankshaft pulley part number.

DO NOT replace serpentine belt to correct this condition; replacing the belt will only eliminate the condition temporarily.

Refer to Section 6A7 of the service manual for crankshaft pulley replacement procedure.

Parts Information:
Vehicles built after February 1992 have the updated crankshaft pulley. Refer to date on the label on the end of the driver side door.


Application Pulley P/N
1989-91 VIN A ENGINE 24573264
1992 VIN A (WITH W41 OPTION) ENGINE

1987-91 VIN D ENGINE 24573015
1992 VIN D, 3 AND A (WITHOUT W41
OPTION) ENGINES


Parts are currently available from GMSPO.