Come along and check out this blast from the past. A 2001 Buick Century with the big 3.1 liter. The customer complaint was a squeaking belt. It didn't take long to find out the vehicle needed more than just a belt
-Enjoy!
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100 thoughts on “An out of balance buick balancer baby!”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peanutbutter Jellyjam says:

    Cocked off, and jerking around. Wash yo' mouth.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars stephen bonesteel says:

    Never ceases to amaze me. Comes in for a belt noise I can bearly hear. And doesnโ€™t seem concerned about the slamming and banging of the missing bolt.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Happy Hands says:

    Don't forget to check that tensioner (idler) pulley. those things go bad all the time on those engines

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patrick Kyker says:

    They definitely need a cover for the front of that engine. Snow will get up there around that crank and fill those groves in that belt will slip off.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Melvin Jones says:

    The old Buick roles again. Good for another 50,000. summer time only.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeffry Blackmon says:

    When you started the engine with the new pulley, what was that grinding sound? It didn't seem right to me.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars onenikkione says:

    Good for another 20 years ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Adam Trombino says:

    Ah the ol M motor. Best thing GM ever did was move the crank sensor from the back of the block, ala W and T mill, to the balancer area. I've only seen a couple balancers slip on these engines, but several on the ol Buick 33 and 3800s. At least this 1 was obvious!

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jon Bingham says:

    THAT ENGINE HAS A WHOLE LOT OF NOISE BROTHER! THAT THING DOESN'T SOUND HEALTHY. BLESSINGS BROTHER. ๐Ÿ™‚๐Ÿ’–

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars User 5.56 says:

    ๐Ÿ‘

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars scotty shaffer says:

    Nice as always sir…. those elastomeric rings have self destructed fine engines into clattering junk…lol

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RAEL says:

    As far as the crank shaft sensor relearn……on my Pontiac 3.1 V6 I was doing an idle relearn and noticed a note in the manual…..and if I'm not mistaken it said something to the effect that even if you didn't do the relearn procedure, it would relearn itself in about 12 engine starts. Trouble with that is it would be hard to keep it running at stop lights. Too annoying. Better to just do the idle relearn. I wonder if the crank relearn is the same……in that it might relearn on it's own after X number of cycles.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RAEL says:

    When I did the belt on my Pontiac 3.1 V6 I had to loosen the alternator in addition to prying the tensioner out of the way. Not bad though. By the way……one time the thought just occurred to me that I had not been in the engine compartment in quite a while. So I opens the hood and takes a gander down inside…….yikes…..the tensioner bolt was working it's way out and the tensioner was hanging on by a thread. Holy cow…..what are the chances? Disaster averted.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars n325aej says:

    I'd like a video of every car you do in a whole week, not the fixing. just a talk a few seconds on each car saying what the customer says and then what you find and outcome. i would find this interesting, thanks Mark

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bill8by5 says:

    Eric, you are priceless!! Most excellent!! Keep 'EM COMING!!!!!

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Bentch says:

    Must be a transplant, surely no NY car could look that good after 21 years… Great video, Eric!

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RAEL says:

    I had a 3.1V6 in my 1994 Pontiac Sunbird and that was a fantastic combination. It was a fantastic engine / transmission combination. I LOVED the car. If they had continued to make them I would have bought another. I had two break downs in 18 years. Once the fuel pump quit…..just quit. Another time the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm failed and the car wouldn't start at a gas station. Strangest thing. One time a coil pack failed but the car was able to limp home……up a steep grade all the way up the hill on four cylinders.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BUTTABALLA999 says:

    You make it look easy. Thanks for the video Mr. O!

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sakara123 says:

    When I saw you pull out the dewalt I was super confused as to why THAT would be your go to battery here. My sides went into orbit when you said "i'm using this one because it's weak".

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kidtask says:

    GM did a recall on the broken mount bolts on those old vehicles

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephen Irwin says:

    Good stuff, as usual!

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jbknight311 says:

    We had a 91 Riviera 3.8 supercharged. Was doing the out of balance stuff. I traced it incorrectly to the supercharger which set me back $1100. Finally checked the balancer and the rubber was totally separated. I had never seen or heard of one going bad. I have now.
    I wish YouTube and the internet was around in 95.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars NFG says:

    Not a big fan of the noise itโ€™s making when it turns on :/

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars flip phone wizard says:

    I have a 04 century with 112k and you cant even hear it running with the hood shut…….. that one was ragged out.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Busted Knuckle says:

    Jeeeez…. 2 days in a row.. NO TEST Drive

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! J.D. Ensminger says:

    love that 3100 great engine

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DoYouFeelLucky? says:

    Smooth move

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars greg gardner says:

    I have the 2000 Century

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jacks Auto Repair says:

    People brag on those cars and Buick v6, but in the final 6-7 years they had major electrical issues! Make you want to purchase a $1200 thermal camera tool, but the car wasn't worth that much and the owner let's call her the mean old lady on social security and she wants that car fixed right now! You installed a new Alternator and every 3 weeks her battery goes dead then you solder her a new battery and it's still not fixed!

    Uh, looks like she ran into something and jammed the passenger door up into the door jam. Don't the battery cables run up thriugh the body right there!

    Well she got mad and drove off before I had a chance to look at it. Maybe Covid got her, I don't what happened to her. Anyway, Bucik is gone and never came back.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SimiNelsonFamily says:

    I really enjoy learning from your videos. One of the biggest improvements Iโ€™ve picked up is to slow down and pay closer attention to detail. Iโ€™ve always been in a hurry to complete an operation, probably because life is busy. Now that I take more time and give more attention to details, I find that the job gets completed with better results and I enjoy the process much more. Thank you for the many fine lessons.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Relentless615 says:

    You Da' Man Mr. O ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿพ

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bob Smith says:

    If he can do it you can do it !

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars THE WISE CAT says:

    Shoulda JB weld it like in the good ol day's

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars some random guy says:

    Spoken like a true mechanic ( if it's not 10-150 it's gonna be )

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CHUCK DETWEILER says:

    ANOTHER SELF LUBRICATING ENGINE

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bob Purcell says:

    "If there not 10-150, they're gonna be!" My kinda machine work!

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars T C says:

    Is your use of NAPA purely convenience? Ive noticed their quality of parts listed under the "NAPA" brand have gone downhill and their prices are marked up quite a bit.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Derek Friday says:

    First time id ever heard of harmonic dampers separating was on a crown Vick. Same complaint as you have. They diagnosed it. The guy said back it out, He'll drive it like that until his next check. Sure enough as its backed out of the shop, off the outer pulley goes and flies across the shop as fast as it could. The wall finally stopped it and it spun in the same spot for probably 5 seconds. That was an interesting experience

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stash Oski says:

    ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jace says:

    That engine can go another 20 years. Unfortunately the electrical will crap out well before that.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ryan Dettinburn says:

    It's called the tiny dancer on a gm

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars oracle wisdom says:

    alot of engines are externally balanced by the harmonic balancer.. is this ever an issue when replacing the balancer.. some have drill divits in them where they were drilled to lighten them , kind of like balancing a tire, but instead of adding weight, they removed some.. I have to replace a balancer that seperated on my 93 chevy 4.3 v6 engine and im concerned it will shake like crazy without the original balancer on it,, thank ye

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cloud Walker says:

    "Nice and quiet now." ๐Ÿคฃ

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Topher D says:

    Very common problem as they age. Iโ€™ve lost track of how many Iโ€™ve changed whether it be Buick Pontiac Chevy etc.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Julian says:

    I was thinking, "If it's not a 10 by 150 it will be," and 5 seconds later you said it. LOL

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Thomas Estes says:

    Noisy little motor

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Edward Wallace says:

    much better. good work.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tren van says:

    you know this thing is going to explode or implode in two weeks for totally unrelated things? the power steering pump is going to fail and then the transmission will grenade… then the electrical system will melt. karma for that original belt

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Arthur Cunningham says:

    Here's a funny one for you. My Jeep Grand Cherokee straight 6 ran the tap through to clean the threads felt some resistance thought it was the rust I put it right through the timing chain cover, just like you said. I was changing the oil pan anyway I was going to put a new front seal in it, it just cost me a little bit more.

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mel Meter says:

    stellar work as usual

  51. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars R Peary says:

    Bravo. Bravo. Ta freakin dah. There you have it.

  52. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jordan Scheurer says:

    Oh the good ol 3.1L I had the first Gen in my 91 pontiac 6000. That engine was on the rev limiter everyday. Had 110 ran in it multiple times. Many neutral drops and it never gave up. 320,000 miles on it when I traded it in on a newer car.

  53. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DoYouFeelLucky? says:

    Evening Boss, Hope you donโ€™t mind me looking over your shoulder.

  54. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ToughAncientSpark says:

    Everyone knocks the older buicks for being an old mans car but they make a great commuter car. They're very comfortable to drive and at the end of the day, you don't feel beat up from the ride!

  55. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Leonard Cherry says:

    Thank you

  56. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars wolvesone says:

    man i wish the balancer and alternator were that easy on my 02 intrepid as i am sure you are well aware you have to pretty much take off the front of the car to do either one

  57. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ToughAncientSpark says:

    Original belt! How many miles on it?

  58. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 300DBenz says:

    Uhoh, you fixed an oil leak on a 3000 series V6! Now the rest of the leaks are going to leak with double the pressure!

  59. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mark Roper says:

    Your videos are a joy to watch…….I could watch over people fixing stuff all day long!!! ๐Ÿ˜›

  60. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J. Mark Krzystofiak says:

    ah.. the siren call of the 3100…piston slap!

  61. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Acfalle says:

    Hope for a part 2 on the engine mount.

  62. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Anton Kahoun says:

    Whats for lunch

  63. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Harris FS says:

    I hope you were wearing your New Balance shoes.

  64. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tuck Smith says:

    Wished that you were my mechanic

  65. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars asopw-_-uwu says:

    I have a 3400 gm. The pulley removed itself๐Ÿ˜‚

  66. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Castros says:

    So that was your problem lady!

  67. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bob Simon says:

    You do make it look easy.

  68. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars springfield45 says:

    I didnt catch – is the hub keyed?

  69. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RHEIDTECH says:

    Id much rather a 2001 with the shakes than a 2021 with communist dictator control issues. Leaves you stranded in limp mode because it "doesnt FEEL good…" ๐Ÿคช

  70. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Cavandish says:

    So satisfying to watch a project to full completion

  71. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dblerman says:

    GM could key this crank but not the LS1? ๐Ÿ˜‘

  72. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luis Marty says:

    Thanks Eric ๐Ÿ˜Š.

  73. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mitch lrp says:

    Narrating videos all day, does it continue at home? "Now we are going to clear the diner dishes". " I like to place the plates like this in the dishwasher".

  74. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jerry King says:

    Another great repair. Thanks for sharing.

  75. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Preproto says:

    I loved my 01 Century custom it got great mileage, comfortable, and wasn't in the way too bad in traffic

  76. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars garretts91 says:

    Some cars just don't rust like trucks in the rust belt.

  77. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars H Goff says:

    Back in the day we had a series of Jeep Cherokees with the mighty 4L 6-cyl – every one had the balancer walk off and start hitting the timing cover making a screeching sound. Pretty simple fix as the radiator, etc., didn't have to be taken out.

  78. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hot Rod 1949 says:

    Did the customer fix the other issues ๐ŸŽƒ

  79. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The98deville says:

    These are much more common down here in the South where we get a dusting of snow every 20 years

  80. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hot Rod 1949 says:

    Awesome video like always. Wish you were closer to NYC

  81. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Z says:

    If they are not 10 x 150 they are gonna be…

  82. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hd the wise says:

    Thanks keep us going rainman left a hole ๐Ÿ•ณ for our mornings and a few extra from the master helps ๐Ÿ˜€ fill the void you could change wiper blade and we would watch lol keep doing what I could do if you can do it

  83. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Vincent Rolfe says:

    I had the '86 3.0 V6 and GM finally came out with a new crank sensor part that did not break. Another 3.8L in the '80 motor that had the #1 cylinder with both lifters bad and I changed the lifters and put and a little Isky cam at 15K miles due to dealer kept ignoring the lifter noise at cold start in the morning. GM was poor quality in those days.

  84. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fascist Pedant says:

    The belt still has a bit of a tick.

  85. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars burt bacarach says:

    60 degree V6 kinda like a Detroit Diesel,if it ain't leaking oil its cause it's empty.

  86. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bud S. says:

    You made a difficult job look easy. The Picasso of parts strikes again.

  87. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars wirenutt57 says:

    The way the video is edited, it looked like you put the seal in with the hanky still in place. I had to go back and check frame-by-frame to see one or two frames that show the hanky is gone. Ya scared the shite outa me, Mr. O!

  88. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ben Smith says:

    If only it was a 3800 engineโ€ฆ

  89. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jimmy S says:

    I wouldn't mind doing Intake gaskets on this engine. Even the 3.4L same thing same parts and procedure. Done a few of them. It would be easy money for me. Anyone remember when the Distributor oilpump shaft o-ring fails and it leaks oil badly?

  90. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Reygle says:

    I still remember working on these at the dealer. Those centuries had this huuuuge front air dam underneath that scraped on every single driveway in the whole world. Pretty nice cars to drive though, if you're into the "little ol' lady" style.

  91. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J Tee says:

    Yeah, that's great and all, but what did Mrs. O. make for lunch?

  92. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars brian willoughby says:

    I'm surprised the crank sensor is running the engine. No misfires no codes

  93. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew Michie says:

    I had my friend Ian work on my 2001 Chevy VENTURE BROS van on 09/28 Now it's a no crank no start…?
    What do you think he did?

  94. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Here CHOCKY chocky says:

    Did you have to reset the crankshaft Top Dead Centre markings after tightening the crankshaft pulley?

  95. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars R theprizeisright says:

    i think I had 2 different one's or the Buick century's, good, 1 terrible. So, I guess I came out even, lol.

  96. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johntasticful says:

    Thinking you should do more videos — like on every car. Doesn't matter if novel. People follow you because you are honest, knowledgeable, informative, skilled, and entertaining. Repeat info doesnโ€™t matter too much… Space out repeating fixes or whatever. Skipping non-novel sucks. Begging for more!

    Big fan

  97. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars langer24106 says:

    Confused why youโ€™re working on this car…it seems fine

  98. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Francisco Carlon says:

    hello from CDMX

  99. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars wazza33racer says:

    They can die as early as 250,000km. On heavy trucks, the fluid filled dampers die (go hard) after a decade or so……..do a LOT of damage. If its old, throw it away, its only a problem waiting to happen. super lucky that sucker is easy to get at )) happy days )

  100. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew G says:

    I had a Malibu with a 3.1…It was potty trained til the intake gaskets became incontinent!! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ‘

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