So I've been hunting down noises on my '06 S, with 60k-odd miles, and a 15% s/c pulley. Can't wait for the ordered stethoscope to arrive, but in the meanwhile I removed the fender liner and grabbed a long screwdriver. My findings -

1. The stock crankshaft pulley seems to have a bit of wobble to it while running. Is this a function of the dampening and is some wobble normal, or is it an indication of wear and ought to be replaced? Don't worry, no interest in an undampened aftermarket unit, but I do notice some aftermarket dampened options now, curious how they stack up against the OEM part, particularly $$$-wise. Not looking forward to calling the dealer and getting OE price.

edit: I'm talking about the dampened ATI pulley, either 0% or +2%. A larger pulley here would speed up the serp belt, correct? Any diehards think this ATI pulley would still be a poor choice, for engine longevity? The car is autox, tracked, and (lovingly) thrashed. Would the +2% be preferable, or simply generate more heat / more stress on other components? I would tend to err on the side of caution here.

I've got a video but it'll take me a minute (...days) to get around to uploading.

2. The tap-tap-taping which at first was most evident at cold start, but pretty much all the time now, has been narrowed down to the block itself (screwdriver to block, behind all s/c hardware, midway, from the top). I guess this is valve knock? I hear it's pretty common? No, little, or large concern? The feller isn't using any oil. But have the common very slight blue-waterish wetness underneath due to some seal or another..

Good news is I didn't hear any discrepancies coming from the s/c or other spots. Going to hold off on replacing any part of the tensioner, but might get one of those $20-whatever safety cords that'll keep it from wrecking havoc should it go.

 

ati has good record in racing . many here are going that route . if this administration hasn't totlally ruined the economy and i ever get back to work i plan on doing this ; but likely i'll be in a gulag for being an enemy of the state .

 

Mmm, yes socialism. I hate when that happens. Especially when it prevents me from buying crank pulleys.

 

I don't get whether you're complaining about the US, or you want more KMT nightmare installs.