Belt tensioner vs AC Compressor noise?

[Racerseks]

Goodmorning guys.....

I've had my '86 coupe just a few days now.....heard a chirping sound under the hood.....not coming from the PS pump or alt.....but AC Compressor side. Was fearing the worst, but after jiggling the clutch and belt tensioner for play, it went away.....however I do see som visible vibration in the belt-tensioner when the car is running.....Is this normal? To what point is it acceptable. Gonna keep an eye on the AC compressor.....guess I can't rule it out 100% yet, but this is a good place to start I guess. Appreciate any comments!

 

[Ken]

There's a mark on the tensioner that will tell you when it's time to replace it.

To help pinpoint the area where the sounds seems to be emanating, use a piece of vacuum hose or a mechanic's stethoscope to eliminate the background noise.

 

[Racerseks]

There's a mark on the tensioner that will tell you when it's time to replace it.

To help pinpoint the area where the sounds seems to be emanating, use a piece of vacuum hose or a mechanic's stethoscope to eliminate the background noise.

Thanks.....where is the mark, and what does it look like? Thanks for the info!

 

[redvett]

Goodmorning guys.....

I've had my '86 coupe just a few days now.....heard a chirping sound under the hood.....not coming from the PS pump or alt.....but AC Compressor side. Was fearing the worst, but after jiggling the clutch and belt tensioner for play, it went away.....however I do see som visible vibration in the belt-tensioner when the car is running.....Is this normal? To what point is it acceptable. Gonna keep an eye on the AC compressor.....guess I can't rule it out 100% yet, but this is a good place to start I guess. Appreciate any comments!

How many miles has the car got on it. If it has low mileage its probably got the OEM idler pulley. When the C4's came out there was a problem with the idler bearing and all vehicles that GM built. Seems the vender decided to use a cheaper grease in the bearing. They had to replace all of them including mine.
What ever you do do not use belt dressing on the belt replace it if it makes noise.

 

[Racerseks]

How many miles has the car got on it. If it has low mileage its probably got the OEM idler pulley. When the C4's came out there was a problem with the idler bearing and all vehicles that GM built. Seems the vender decided to use a cheaper grease in the bearing. They had to replace all of them including mine.
What ever you do do not use belt dressing on the belt replace it if it makes noise.

It's actually got 134k.....but runs great! In fact, better than my first C$ with 9k!

Too late on the belt-dressing tip, but thanks. Seems ppl don't always replace the tensioner along with the belt, so it may be the original. How can I tell?

 

[Ken]

Thanks.....where is the mark, and what does it look like? Thanks for the info!

This isn't an actual tensioner from an L98, but it'll suffice to give you an idea of where the marks are.

 

[Racerseks]

This isn't an actual tensioner from an L98, but it'll suffice to give you an idea of where the marks are.

Thanks!