Any advice on whether to purchase Rodney's Idler Pully or Power Pully Kit to eliminate that ever-present squeel? Even with a "GatorBack" belt I'm still suffering. As always, thanks for the input. Rich
Yep - It's one of two ways to go - the other is Dodge Runners spring loaded idler set up. Which ever you chose be sure to clean the pulleys of all old rubber debris and other dirt. Rodney also sell a bracket to strengthen the alternator bracket BUY IT !
Bought Rodney's idler pulley. I agree with everyone else, it's great, and I recommend it. Keep in mind however, you still have to be careful not to over tighten the belt.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Thanks all for your help and experience, now I have a clear indication in which way to go. Any of your advice is always appreciated 'cause I'm a true believer in "No one has time to do it right, but always finds time to do it twice." Rich
I'm late to the party, but I had one on my 87GT also. In addition to Rodney's pulley, I also double-nutted the alternator so it couldn't move and allow slip also.
The sole purpose of the idler pulley kit is to decrease belt squeal by increasing belt contact on the alternator pulley. The purpose of the power pulley kit, however is to increase available power by reducing load on the engine from the alternator and water pump. It uses a smaller pulley on the crankshaft, which increases mechanical advantage, to do this. The 85-87 version of the kit also includes an idler pulley, so you get both.
[This message has been edited by TopNotch (edited 10-10-2013).]
I had the squeal from both belts until one broke and I (eventually) removed pieces of it from various pulleys. One little squeal once since then. However. I'm told the harmonic balancer is shot, destroying seal, crankcase, oil pan, etc.
What I've learned is the heart of the harmonic balancer is rubber that can be destroyed by chemicals like oil. The oil pressure sender is near the harmonic balancer and it and the pipe that connects it to the block (if you have air conditioning) are prone to springing leaks. Could it be squealing problems are really harmonic balancer problems?
Btw, replacing the hb is proving to be difficult. TFS has a Dorman unit, but they say the timing mark is not in the right place. The only other ones that actually say they can be used on the Fiero are from Summit Racing, go for over three hundred and don't ship for about three weeks.
Could it be the different pulleys installed on the hb change the weight and mask hb problems?
Damper Doctor replied to email saying they don't currently have the correct hb in stock and suggest rebuilding mine for ninety plus shipping back and forth to CA.
