THUMP/KNOCK NOISE AT IDLE INSTALL NEW DESIGN DRIVE BELT

SUBJECT: THUMP OR KNOCK NOISE AT OR JUST OFF IDLE (INSTALL NEW SINGLE BELT ACCESS DRIVE BELT)

MODELS AFFECTED: 1992 REGAL WITH 3800 V-6 ENGINE 1992 SKYLARK AND CENTURY WITH 3300 V-6 ENGINE 1992 LESABRE, PARK AVENUE AND RIVIERA

THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVISED TO CHANGE BELT PART NUMBERS AND PARTS AVAILABILITY DATES. PLEASE DISCARD BUICK BULLETIN NUMBER 92-6-7.

New S.B.A.D. belts were released for production and are now available for service on 1992 3300/3800 V6 engines. These new belts, with smoother grooves, greatly reduce "belt pilling". Belt pilling is a condition in which particles of belt material forms small balls or "pills" in the belt grooves. Some degree of pilling is normal, however, excessive pilling can cause a thump or knock noise when the pills pass over various pulleys. The thump or knock noise could be misdiagnosed as an engine or accessory noise.

The following checklist will help diagnose and repair a belt pilling condition:

1. Remove the belt and momentarily run the engine to confirm that the source of the noise has disappeared.

2a. If the noise does not disappear, there are other factors that can cause a thump or knock noise. See Section 6 in the service manual for additional diagnostic information.

2b. If the noise does disappear; inspect the power steering pulley for proper alignment and repair as necessary.

3. Inspect all pulleys for excess paint, debris or pills in the grooves - clean as necessary.

4. Install a new belt from the listed service part numbers in the information section of this publication.

SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION:

MODEL PART NUMBER CODE ----- ----------- ---- Regal, LeSabre, Park Avenue, 25532180 SAT Riviera

Century 24502761 SEU

Skylark 24502762 SEV

NOTE: Supercharged 3800 V6 engines were all produced with new smoother groove belts. The part numbers for these belts are:

Supercharged Drive 24501446 Alternator Drive 24501447

PARTS STATEMENT:

Parts are expected to be available on September 7, 1992. In case of limited inventory, parts will be placed on 400 control to waive VIP surcharges. Only verifiable emergency VIP orders will be accepted. SPO will make every effort to obtain parts. However, the part will be shipped premium transportation at dealer's expense and all other order types will be placed on backorder until the 400 control is removed.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.