Cam belt and idler questions (automatic tensioner)

[asudds]

I took the cover off this week-end and discovered that I had a Spring automatic tensioner in my 924S. I followed the procedures in the instructions found in numerous places on the net,

1. loosen the upper tensoner bolt and nut
2. move the tesioner with a 17mm wrench to ensure it is not siezed
3. roll engine over by hand
4. re-torque the bolt and nut

After this I started the car and Still had the howl, repeated the procedure above and re-checked the belt by twisting it 90 degrees to verify it was not over tightened.

I then checked the balance shaft belt the same way and following another howling start backed the balance shaft belts off a little more.
STILL HOWLS!!!
So I buttoned it up and left it that way.

On a side note the Idler bearings were free and not binding however they spun about 2 revolutions when spun with my fingers… is that good or bad??? I have heard they should not SPIN but move smoothly. The car had just been driven about 60 miles just before the work was done I would think if the idlers were bad they would be noisy or not spin due to the bearings heating up… what is the lists thoughts on this?

I am just trying to make the car reliable for the winter until I get my summer car BACK-UP back on the road.

Aaron T. Sudds
1987 924S
asudds@mio.ten.fujitsu.com

[T86951]

Could be your waterpump bearing howling or maybe the alternator bearing.

[asudds]

The alternator was disconnected and the waterpump is new... any other suggestions...