[DeTomaso] Techno question: a fine mess

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/7/15 6 01 58, hoppe1 at cox.net writes:


> >                 I installed the back up stock alternator.   I tested 
> the
> >    engine at idle and I am crushed that the noise is still there.
> >    So....the noise is from one of the belts or from the idler pulley.
> 
>>>Right.   You'd be amazed at how noisy a perfectly good-looking belt can 
be.

Belts are cheap and consumable; those living in an enclosed engine bay like 
the Pantera's don't benefit from airflow as they do in a front-engined car, 
so probably have a shorter effective lifespan.   You rarely get access to 
the front of the engine, so now is probably a good time to change them 
anyway.

The idler pulley bearing can make one hell of a racket.   You can buy a 
replacement bearing, then press (or have a machine shop press) the old bearing 
out and the new bearing in.   But the bearing is expensive, and labor adds 
further to the cost.   

Your local NAPA auto parts store has a replacement pulley with bearing, 
ready to bolt on, that costs less than the cost of just a replacement bearing 
for your old pulley.   It is slightly larger in outside diameter, but 
otherwise functions identically and allows the use of the same-size belt.   

Part number is Duralast 231036.   Cost is about $13-15 if memory serves, 
while just a replacement bearing for your old pulley is more like $25, and you 
haven't started paying machine shop costs.   

Changing the belts first will determine if you need the pulley.   If you 
don't, just return it.   And if you do, have it in your hands and install that 
next.

There, you fixed it. :>)

Mike
-------------- next part --------------
   In a message dated 10/7/15 6 01 58, hoppe1 at cox.net writes:

     >                 I installed the back up stock alternator.   I
     tested the
     >    engine at idle and I am crushed that the noise is still there.
     >    So....the noise is from one of the belts or from the idler
     pulley.

   >>>Right.  You'd be amazed at how noisy a perfectly good-looking belt
   can be.
   Belts are cheap and consumable; those living in an enclosed engine bay
   like the Pantera's don't benefit from airflow as they do in a
   front-engined car, so probably have a shorter effective lifespan.  You
   rarely get access to the front of the engine, so now is probably a good
   time to change them anyway.
   The idler pulley bearing can make one hell of a racket.  You can buy a
   replacement bearing, then press (or have a machine shop press) the old
   bearing out and the new bearing in.  But the bearing is expensive, and
   labor adds further to the cost.
   Your local NAPA auto parts store has a replacement pulley with bearing,
   ready to bolt on, that costs less than the cost of just a replacement
   bearing for your old pulley.  It is slightly larger in outside
   diameter, but otherwise functions identically and allows the use of the
   same-size belt.
   Part number is Duralast 231036.  Cost is about $13-15 if memory serves,
   while just a replacement bearing for your old pulley is more like $25,
   and you haven't started paying machine shop costs.
   Changing the belts first will determine if you need the pulley.  If you
   don't, just return it.  And if you do, have it in your hands and
   install that next.
   There, you fixed it. :>)
   Mike