[d16soda]

Yep, I returned it and got the distributor whole. Ended up paying 20 more for the whole new housing with icm and new coil

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Sounds like a great deal.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Sounds don't just disappear like that--it'll likely return. You will, likely, have to replace the AC Pulley Bearing or remove the V-belt.

[d16soda]

Shoot! I Typed up a whole response on my phone and I think I forgot to hit send.

So today I was going to the bank and I decided to open the hood and try to catch the noise so I could see what happened. I waited a minute, revved it slowly, then let it idle. Then it happened! The large pulley on the bottom end of the engine is wobbling, it is the pulley with another smaller pulley on it as well. It only does this while idling, and higher RPMs seem to straighten it out. Also, I never hear it while driving, or even while at a stoplight. Just on cold starts or when the car is cold period. Bummer! I will take a video for visual clarification.

[d16soda]

Just to check before I mess with what I think is my crankshaft pulley messing up, how do I loosen enough to get the ac compressor, or V belt, off.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

If you suspect a crankshaft pulley problem, you should seek professional help.

[d16soda]

Haha, I suspected so I went and figured out. SO! Took the tire off, jacked it up, got under there, started the car, and watched. Yes, it appeared to be wobbling. A closer look: the paint or coating on the pulley wheel's exterior had weathered and started chipping/fraying off; giving the pulley a torn up look like it was bitten around the edges by a small dog or something. That's what was giving it the appearance of excess motion. So as the car was running, lightly used a compass and made sure the pulley was on center and not lopsided or even moving. It was perfectly stationery and I was pleased. Just to make sure, took the crankshaft pulley bolt off, put it back on and used a torque wrench and got it to 130 lbs. or (ft-lbs.). Anyway, its perfectly intact. So, back to the ac compressor. When I put a long screwdriver up to it again, and the other end to my ear, from underneath the car and on the bottom of the compressor, more towards the pulley, I could hear a grinding that was almost positively coming from the compressor. More so than the other components... So, really, to my knowledge (although not too vast) I think it's the AC compressor.

Also, I have power windows and they have both been broken for some time. Its been winter here in Dallas so I just left them up but tonight I felt like cruisin and I wanted to hear the sound more clearly. Cool enough, putting my windows down let me smell the burning compressor as I was driving, lol. Even though its off its producing a pungent smell, similar to an alternator dying. So I checked my alternator, no smell, voltage checks out. So... that's what I got :P

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Why didn't you disconnect the V-belt from the AC, since that seems like it would solve the immediate problem?

[d16soda]

Well I should have, and I thought I asked how and got no response... I think it was in the message that didn't send. Anyway, that seems the course of action now. Is there a tensioner? I didn't see anything painfully obvious to relieve some tension. Lol, I'm very new to foreign cars because my last and only previous car was a 1989 Chevy Beretta 2.8 v6.. spacious engine bay, easy to work with. :)

[TxGreaseMonkey]

There should be an adjusting bolt and adjusting pulley, located between the compressor and the crankshaft pulley. Access may be through the driver's side wheel well, where you need to remove the wheel and plastic fender liner.

Depending on your car, you may also be able to remove the two left engine mount bolts, rotating it up and out of the way, and loosen the adjusting bolt. This will likely work.

[d16soda]

Yeah I looked at what you said. I took off my front bumper and the plastic liner up in the wheel well. So I'm going to do this tomorrow at work on my break. Since I took the bumper off I can get to this pullet through the wheel well or from the bottom at work. Got to get it done, this is driving me nuts! And I hope my compressor isn't to far gone... was hoping to rebuild it

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Don't remove any lines from the compressor. Be careful working around the AC--wear goggles. In fact, always wear safety glasses or goggles when working on a car.

[d16soda]

Of course, not doing anything without some professional guidance. Just need to take the belt off really.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Yes. You could even just cut the belt off, if it is worn and should be replaced when you replace the AC Pulley Bearing.