Re: alfa-digest V9 #418

[George Graves <gmgraves@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

OK, I'm certainly no expert, BUT, I am quite familiar with the V-6 
timing belt, and there is only ONE circumstance under which a timing 
belt could possibly make the smell you are describing AFAIK. That would 
be if the tensioner idler wheel were seized on its shaft. If the Idler 
isn't spinning then the belt is rubbing against it hard as it moves 
creating a lot of friction. This is the only place where the smooth 
side of the bely comes in contact with anything (unless of course, 
something foreign has fallen between the belt covers and the belts and 
is rubbing which is unlikely). DON'T DRIVE IT AT ALL. Don't even start 
the engine. Have it towed to a competent Alfa mechanic and get it 
checked out. If it is the timing belt, he will be able to tell just by 
looking at it.

If you start the car, and the belt breaks due to being worn away from 
friction, you will INSTANTLY trash the engine. Open valves, stuck open 
due to the camshafts no longer turning, will collide with the still 
moving pistons. Bent/broken valves, ruined heads and holed pistons and 
possibly broken connecting rods  will be the immediate result. Take no 
chances, a complete rebuild on an Alfa V-6 will cost you at least 
six-grand. DON'T TAKE THE CHANCE.

George Graves
'86 GTV-6 3.0S



On Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at 10:01 AM, alfa-digest wrote:


> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 00:01:21 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Dio Genio <diogenio@domain.elided>
> Subject: V-6 Timing Belt Burning Smell?
>
> I am new owner of a Milano Platinum and am just
> getting used to my first V-6. I've noticed the
> distinctive, unmistakable smell of burning rubber only
> when I'm accelerating and RPMs go over 4,000. It
> appears to be coming from the engine compartment, but
> it is difficult to tell since the car needs to be
> under load.
>
> At first I thought it might be the fan belts, but they
> all seem plenty tight. Can a timing belt make this
> smell when it is either worn, too tight or too loose?
> The belt is over 30k old and the tensioner has been
> replaced with a "164" style, which I believe has an
> internal spring to compensate for engine temperature.
>
> Or, can the Guibos make this kind of rubbery smell if
> they are starting to self-destruct? Any thoughts?
>
> Thaks,
>
> DENNIS
> The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo
> http://search.yahoo.com
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