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Below is a collection of Jim Grant's Tech Tips sorted by Vehicle Make. These Tech Tips were answers to questions submitted to Jim by ALLDATAdiy.com users over the course of many years.
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  Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'90 Chevy Lumina APV, Belt Tensioner vs. Harmonic Balancer

Q: How do you know when something is wrong with the harmonic balancer vs something wrong with the tensioner in a '90 Chevy Lumina APV when there is a loud knocking when it is turned on. It can drive back and forth but I never leave the engine running for more than one or two minutes.

A: I would suggest removing the serpentine belt and starting the engine. If the automatic belt tensioner is the cause for the noise the only noise you will hear is that of the engine. If the harmonic balancer is failing you will hear a noise. You may want to snap the throttle a time or two as well. Why? Without the load created by the serpentine belt and the accessories that it drives the harmonic balancer will tend to quiet down a bit. The throttle snap (quick acceleration and release of the throttle) causes the balancer to work, resulting in a noise if failing. With the serpentine belt removed you'll get a good idea of which path you'll need to follow to condemn the offending component.

 
     
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