Hey Guys,

Newbie here with an issue with my new to me, '03 MCS. Just replaced my serpentine belt and noticed its not aligning properly around the idle pulley. I don't remember if the original belt was aligned before removing it. It also appears to rubbing slightly against a bolt as you can see in center of pic. Tried centering the belt, but keeps moving towards engine after start up. Appreciate any help on this. TIA

 

That belt won't last two minutes if you don't figure this out. Perhaps you don't have it properly placed on either the crank pulley, the a/c compressor, or the alternator? Perhaps your crank pulley (damper) has failed? I suggest that you remove the passenger side wheel liner in order to get a better look.

 

I think the Idler pulley is in the wrong hole.... There are two close together, one for the front cover and one for the pulley. One is recessed and one is not...

Did someone replace the front cover bolts with hardware store variants? The rubbing bolt looks taller than it should be.

 

Belt is properly placed. Reason for replacing original belt was that I smelled burning rubber coming from engine compartment and when checking things out, I noticed the original belt was falling apart. Thought burning rubber smell was coming from belt. However, after searching around forums I found that the burning rubber smell is normally a sign of the crank pulley failing? I don't have any CELs or anything coming up though. Tried spinning crank pulley and cant get it to move, so can I assumed its still good?

Pulled Idler pulley and its in correct hole. Cover bolts are all the same and looks to be OEM.


Guess need to do some more digging around.

 

A failing crank pulley doesn't generate codes. If you have gotten far enough to try to spin it by hand, just replace it.

 

A belt lacking proper tension will wander, especially if not proper length.

Since you purchased this used, any idea if there is a smaller supercharger pulley on the car, if so, did you purchase the correct belt for the pulley size you have ?

 

Belt is proper length and tensioner is good. Super charger pulley is stock. Since all this started with the smell of melting rubber and everything else appears to be good, I'm leaning towards crank pulley. Just not sure how that would cause the offset of belt on idler pulley. Also inspected idler pulley and looks good.

 

The crank pulley doesn't have a failure code persay, but you do get symptoms; P1688, boost codes, possible overheat, possible loss of alternator & PS, burning rubber smell, gouging into the timing cover from the pulley coming apart, belts jumping or snapping off.

If you're 100% the idler is in the correct location, look at the SC pulley to make sure it is seated properly on the shaft of the SC, as well as inspect the probably failed crank pulley.

 

Checked and confirmed idler is in correct location. Also, the SC pulley is properly seated as well.


I removed the crank pulley for inspection and couldn't visually find any issues. However, when I tried to spin the outer ring, I got a slight squeak as if maybe it turned a little, but couldn't see it turn? That's it, dunno.


Just wanted to thank you guys for your input on this subject. Its greatly appreciated

 

Try to stick a screw driver between the two halves of the crank pulley, does it come apart or deflect excessively?

 

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Got a screw driver in there and it doesn't come apart. Its pliable and retracts back into place. Ordered a new crank pulley just in case.


Was also inspecting all the pulleys again and now noticed that the a/c pulley has some resistance and a light scraping sound when spinning it. Not sure if this would cause belt to be out of alignment.

 

Resistance wouldn't equate to the belt not running true, if there was play to the bearings that could cause the pulley to walk off camber, but not resistance.

Long shot here: If you push the clutch pedal with someone watching the crank pulley does the crank walk when the clutch is pressed and released? Can you push on the crank pulley and push the crank towards the trans? If so you're in for an engine rebuild, but I've only seen this once, but it would cause your belt to be misaligned as the crank walked.

 

I still have the crank pulley removed as waiting for new replacement, but when inspecting it while still installed there was no play at all. Should have new crank pulley by this weekend and will report back after its installed. Hopefully this will fix the problem. If not, its going into the shop.

 

When you had the idler off was the little billet spacer on the back bottomed out to the bearing of the pulley or was there space between the two?

 

Yes, the billet spacer was tight against bearing. No spacing between the two.

 

Sounds like bearings in the compressor for AC could be shot. And yes, that sort of friction would make belt heat up, stink and wander....

 

Makes sense, will need to inspect more closely. Previous had the compressor replaced about a year ago too