Rubbing noise? 85 z24

[SolidZ24x4]

After much trial, error, revision, and tedious instruction following, I've got my z24 running again after replacing the head gasket and timing cover gasket.

 

Unfortunately, there is a vague rubbing sound coming from the front of the engine. I am inclined to say it's the pulley; in lieu of a puller, I beat the thing with a hammer and pried with a small bar to get the pulls off. It can be seen wobbling a bit. Also I'm wondering if maybe I pushed the main seal too hard against the oil slinger?

 

Has anybody else had this problem? I want to try and run the thing without any belts hooked up, or even w/o the pulley to see if the noise persists.

 

Thanks for any suggestions.

[KoHeartsGPA]

Video audio will go long ways....YouTube it?

[Lockleaf]

Did you install a new water pump while you were at it? I've heard reports of after market water pump impellers rubbing on the inside of the timing cover.

[Lockleaf]

Also, mechanics stethoscope (or a really long screwdriver) can help more exactly identify the source of the sound

[datzenmike]

Rubbing? If the pulley is wobbling likely the belt. Loosen them and try it.

 

Apparently the Z24 has an harmonic damper and you may have moved the outer pulley on the rubber covering. Remove the pulley properly with a puller and see if it can be straightened or replace.

[SolidZ24x4]

Would it be possible to run the engine for a few seconds without any of the belts hooked up? Ignition should be covered by the battery, but w/o water pressure would it be okay for short duration?

 

I'm inclined to think its the pulley, I really wasn't nice to that thing...

 

This is where I'm going to start, will keep you posted thanks.

[datzenmike]

Sure you can run it. If starting up cold, it would take 10 min to over heat. You only need 10 seconds.

[Lockleaf]

Yes, you can run the motor short term without the belts. Just keep an eye on your temp gauge

[84720FourWheel]

When I changed the timing belt on my Pathfinder I ran it for about 30 seconds to make sure the belt was at the correct tension.

 

Didn't even have coolant in it. Worked out pretty well.

[SolidZ24x4]

Money.

 

Don't listen to any chud who tells you "its okay, its not pressure fitted, you can get it with a hammer."

 

But I regress, I should have seen it coming; I mean even the words, 'harmonic-balancer' and 'hammer' definitely don't go together. Maybe less Red-Bull next time...

 

Something useful: The harmonic-balancer off a 20b will work on the 24z. I would post a pic, but you all know what harmonic balance looks like, right?

 

Thanks for the help tho.

[84720FourWheel]

Honestly I think the balancer off a VG would work as well. Timing marks will be wrong on the pulley though.

[Lockleaf]

You can use a hammer, or better a mallet, to pull them. You just can't beat on them. Hundred light taps around the whole perimeter as opposed to actually beating it off of the crank. They aren't press fit. If they are stuck, it's grunge or rust.

[datzenmike]

I use the 26mm socket that takes the crank nut off. Just tap on the back side of the pulley.

[SolidZ24x4]

And I definitely did put the main seal on just a little too tight...