Pulley wobble

[AdmiralQ]

I have an 88 OMC 3.0L (the GM version). When running, the lower pulley on the front of the engine (the one attached to the crank), wobbles. The wobble is not back and forth, perpendicular to the engine axis, but parallel to it (along the engine axis). The shaft doesn't wobble or move at all, just the outer edge of the pulley. I'm not sure how to explain it well, but maybe this graphic will help.

I tried taking a pry bar and moving the pulley/crankshaft side to side and front and back, thinking maybe a bearing was shot, but the crankshaft/pulley didn't budge at all and seems very solid, no play or anything. I'm thinking maybe just the pulley got bent somehow. I just recently bought the boat, so I don't know its history. Has anyone ever heard of a pulley warping or getting bent somehow, or am I just being naive hoping my bearings aren't shot? The boat was just winterized, so I won't be able to inspect it any more until spring. By the way, this is the pulley that runs the alternator.

 

[DJ]

Re: Pulley wobble

AdmiralQ,<br /><br />Someone bent it along the way somewhere.<br /><br />As long as it is not throwing belts, don't worry about it.

 

[coupedeville]

Re: Pulley wobble

I bought a Triumph Tr7 in 1984 that had a pulley that wobbled like yours. A friend of mine still owns the car, and the pulley still wobbles. It's never caused a problem in all those years.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Pulley wobble

You're worried about a little wobbly in the pulley. You're probably going to have a heart attack when the engine quits. Somebody probably removed the harmonic balancer sometime in the past and didn't use the correct puller. If it ain't throwing belts or black belt dust, don't worry, be happy!

 

[DJ]

Re: Pulley wobble

coupedeville,<br /><br />Oh my God, a TR-7?? I didn't think any of those were still running! <br /><br />I used to work in a Triumph dealership. We used to call them "weekenders". Because they only ran for about two days at a time. They were tinkerers dreams (read-nightmare).<br /><br />The TR-7 was a cool car, just full of problems.<br /><br />The name "Lucas" mean anything to you?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Pulley wobble

Lucas ... oh the Prince of Darkness. I heard that Lucas had a hand in the beer cooler business and that is why beer is served warm in England!<br /><br />On a brighter note if you have battled with Lucas instruments and wiring you become a pro at troubleshooting and re-wiring.<br /><br />I have restored many Triumphs and have a long list of Lucas nightmares <br /><br />Bob

 

[cschauej]

Re: Pulley wobble

Same problem on my 454, except it's the water pump pulley. The alternator, power steering and seawater pump/fuel pump all run off it. 50hrs later, I haven't had any problems. Hope that reassures you.

 

[flashback]

Re: Pulley wobble

I had a tr7, let my dreams get away, but i learned a lot about mechanics........think it had a jag trans in it which was heavier than the engine.......started out with a good idea but the engine sucked..............lucas was the electrics on a lot of english cars and they sucked also..........i had a tr6 and a sprite and they all leaked oil and blew fuses........loved them ''''''''''''''''''''''''''

 

[coupedeville]

Re: Pulley wobble

The early Tr7's were truly bad. Head gaskets, electrics, transmissions, etc. They really killed off Triumph. The later cars [79-81]- including all the convertibles, however, were a vast improvement. Most everything was improved or beefed up, and they were built in a completly different factory. Funny enough, but we've never had any serious electrical problems, nothing that you wouldn't expect on a 23 year old car at least. The headlights still go up and down like the day it was new! Alas, for Triumph, the fatal damage to their reputation was done.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Pulley wobble

my friend noticed a wobble in his crank pulley and decided it was nothing to worry about.15-20 hours later pulley broke at 4000rpm. left some nice dings in things it impacted on, but didnt hit anything vital. you might want to inspect hub for signs of cracks near bolt holes.

 

[magster65]

Re: Pulley wobble

If I understand what you're saying correctly, check your crankshaft endplay. I've seen this before where the thrust bearing is worn and allows the entire crankshaft assembly to 'walk' back and forth. I hope I'm wrong.