Expert: Carl Brandt - 11/29/2004

Question
Carl,

I recently purchased a 1986 JEEP Comanche 4x4,  V-6, A/C, A/T,  093,650 miles, very nice condition. I use it for daily driving to and from work. (3 miles each way)

Today, I heard a loud "CLANK-ITY CLANK" sound when I parked and turned off the motor. I did the obvious searching and listening to find that my timing pulley is spinning freely. This is hard to describe, and might sound confusing, so I will try to make it clear.

The "teeth" where you would point the timing light to set the timing... is in place. But the "BIG SOLID STEEL RING" (that has the scribe in it to take the timing reading) directly behind it (about 7" dia., 1" thick and 1" wide)... has seperated from the "Actual Drive Pully". It spins freely and there is about 1/4" of play from left to right (or top to bottom - because it is round), and 1" of play foward to aft.

My questions are: Can this be repaired at home without any major work...? Or is this something that I need a ASE Certified Mechanic to repair it? If not, what is the procedure for repair?



"Timed Out" in Georgia,
- Paul

Answer
Paul,

This is not good.  This is called a harmonic suppression damper, and helps to balance the motor.  This fastens to the end of the crankshaft, and rarely, just, comes loose.  It is a good chance that you may have a broken crank shaft.

I would suggest that you purchase a repair manual, and take a good look at what the actual problem is, and decide from there if you want to tackle it.  There is a chance that just the pully has come loose, and can be replaced with a minimal amount of work.

A  Chilton's or a Hayne's manual can be purchased at most auto parts stores for $20.  They have a lot of information on basic trouble shooting, and repairs, including a list of special tools that may be needed for most repairs.  These manuals are designed for a year or range of years for specific vehicles, and are invaluable if you are planning on doing any repairs, or maintenance yourself.

Carl