Idle pulley

[Yes Deer]

I have a 2001, 5.7 carb, bravo 3, mercuriser. "Squeaking/chirping" sound coming from engine. When I spray wd40 on the idler pulley the noise stops for a few seconds then returns. I'm assuming bad pulley. How difficult to change? Thanks for any input.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Welcome to CF YD!

Idler pulley is a piece of cake to swap out... You should be able to get a new one at discount auto stores i.e. Autozone for under $20...

[a64pilot]

Usually squeaking / chirping is a belt though. Bearings usually roar or rattle, I assume this is a serpentine belt?
Belt dressing if it's the belt will make it stop for longer, but ultimately if it is the belt it will have to be changed.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Usually squeaking / chirping is a belt though. Bearings usually roar or rattle, I assume this is a serpentine belt?
Belt dressing if it's the belt will make it stop for longer, but ultimately if it is the belt it will have to be changed.

Agreed... chirp=95% belt... But sometimes if there's a light dusty surface rust in the bearing it does this noisy dance...

[ontherocks83]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

Agreed... chirp=95% belt... But sometimes if there's a light dusty surface rust in the bearing it does this noisy dance...

+1

I work for a car dealer and have heard it both ways. A64 is right it is usually a belt, but pulley bearings in certain circumstances can sound like a bad belt. Like he said try spraying belt dressing on the belt but at a different pulley so you don't spray it on the "suspect" pulley. If the noise does not go away then it is the pulley.

The job is relatively straight forward. You should be fine.

[SkiprJohn]

Originally Posted by Yes Deer

I have a 2001, 5.7 carb, bravo 3, mercuriser. "Squeaking/chirping" sound coming from engine. When I spray wd40 on the idler pulley the noise stops for a few seconds then returns. I'm assuming bad pulley. How difficult to change? Thanks for any input.

Can you loosen the belt enough to spin the idler by hand? If there is slop or a gritty feeling then it'll be the bearings in the pulley. I've had waterpumps sound the same way when they are about ready to let go.

Good luck!