SERPENTINE BELT WEAR ON CRANKSHAFT DAMPNER ASSEMBLY

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1985 'J' Cars With 2.8L V-6 Engines

V-6 'J' cars built prior to the following VIN breakpoints may experience serpentine belt wear (see Figure 1) due to movement between the outer ring and inner hub of the crankshaft damper assembly. This condition can be identified using the procedures listed in this bulletin. Replacement of the damper with P/N 14102596 will correct this condition.

Assembly Plant VIN Code (11th VIN Character) Series VIN Breakpoint ----------------------- ------ -------------- J (Janesville) Cimarron 513667 J (Janesville) Cavalier 236079 7 (Lordstown) Cavalier 195055

First check the position of the timing pointer relative to the outer ring/pulley of the torsional damper (see Figure 2). If the timing pointer is in the correct position as shown in the left portion of Figure 2, check for other possible causes of the belt wear condition and replace the serpentine belt. If the outer edge of the timing pointer is in the incorrect position as shown in the right portion of Figure 2, check the damper assembly by removing the right wheel inner splash shield. The faces of the inner hub and outer ring/pulley should ba approximately flush (see Figure 3). If a difference of a 3.175mm (1/8 inch) or greater can be seen or if the alignment marks show movement between outer ring/pulley and inner hub, the damper assembly should be replaced.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.