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SC Idler Pulley Melted

T

TheInterloper

New member
Sorry if this is a repost, (new here and haven't done my intro, this seemed a bit more urgent) I found a couple threads about the tensioner, but I didn't see anything on the idler.

As the title states, my idler pulley melted and the belt was destroyed. I went to my local Autozone and bought a new belt and, what I was told, the correct pulley. The one that was originally on the car was plastic (stupid GM thinking that plastic is a good material for anything engine related) and the one I bought was metal. Duralast/Belt Tensioner (231051) | AutoZone.com
First question is: Is this the correct pulley?
Second, When I installed the new pulley I tightened the bolt that holds it in place and the pulley then became unmovable except in the counter-clockwise direction but when it does, it slightly loosens the bolt. So, is that normal? If not, what should I do to install it correctly?

Car is a 2001 Grand Prix GTP all stock

Pictures of the mess:
599766_10151055360358033_775159773_n | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

600962_10151055359938033_1002803391_n | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

303341_10151055360168033_110323392_n | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Thanks!
 


When it didn't move freely in both directions after I tightened it up I figured something was wrong. The problem is, Autozone does not list a plastic grooved pulley. And all I have left to compare new ones to is a fragment of the original which is zero help.

So anyone reading this, a link to the correct pulley from any seller would be greatly appreciated.
 
Here ya go. Anyone should be able to cross reference these for you (Make sure you use the Series II numbers, not Series 1)
http://www.grandprixforums.net/common-part-numbers-pulleys-goops-gaskets-39796.html


A reason that GM used the plastic is less rotating mass. I've seen these pullies last a very long time. However it's usually the bearing that seizes up and causes the pulley to melt. The metal and plastic pullies both use (what appears to be) the same bearing. Either way..when that bearing goes....you typically lose the belt and end up needing a pulley.
 


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