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I have a friend that has a 2000 Bonneville with a 3.8L engine that has has a problem with a squealing noise at 200 F on the temp gauge. He said it started after he replaced the harmonic balancer. Why that wold be the case, I can’t see it. I suggested to remove the belt and see if it still was present. It was. He’s eliminated some other causes like the alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor by removing the belt. He’s had suggestions from the trans to an engine bearing to torque converter noise. It stops when you rev it up. If it’s under 200F it’s quiet. Appears to me that there might be some heat expansion issue somewhere or fluid issues. Thanks for your suggestions.
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Strange indeed…. Do you know if this was an aftermarket balancer or GM? Since the noise started after it was replaced, I’d go there first. If a pick and pull place is nearby, go get an inexpensive GM balancer to swap out and try. Everything belt driven has effectively been eliminated as a problem. I would just want to rule out the new balancer before looking elsewhere. Keep us posted and good luck
It was an aftermarket. He’s kinda short on money because he’s on S.S. but when he gets some cash built up he can change it out. It needs a new seal as well. I will keep you updated. Strange as to why the engine temp would cause a harmonic balancer to make noise tho. That’s what I question. You wouldn’t think so. I almost think it may be the torque converter but the sound starting after the HB was changed out is baffling part. This has been strange. It’s also gotten louder since it started about 5 months ago. The trans shifts and performs fine. The pan fairly clean.
May have a vacuum leak. Some of the vacuum devices only operate once the engine reaches operating temperature. Also try leaving the radiator pressure cap loose as a test (you may loose some coolant) and see that the sound is not related to escaping steam or coolant. Try using a low pressure low volume stream of water around the plastic intake and devices to see if it affects the sound. Just go easy on the coil packs etc.
Given that it happened after the balancer replacement, I would be looking there for the problem. If he still has the old one, he might swap it out to see if the noise is still there. If it’s gone, I’d try a different brand of balancer.
Balancers have a rubber strip on the inside for the ‘dampening’ they do. If this seal is bad, then it can cause a noise like you describe.
More info here.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car
Please keep us updated on what you find.
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