Hi guys, new here...but have been a member at http://impalassforum.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php for some time now. (same name)

I have searched and have not come up with an answer...I just bought a pretty nice 89 GTA...350 TPI, faded paint, great interior with 110,000k showing, for $2100.

the car starts and idles great...but...As for the car....I think that just the torque converter is loose. or at least I hope....I really hope that it is not the main bearings that are gone...I know it is not a rod bearing though..it dose not pound like a hammer...and you feel it more than you hear it...like down by your feet...it starts and idles just fine with good oil pressure and the needle stays constant..sounds realy strong..just when you rev it up I hear/feel somthing by your feet..I don't know what. I really don't want to drive it till i figure out what it is....I really hope it is just the torque converter...

Also the serpitine belt looks like it is jumping around a bunch..you know the belt tensioner with the arrows on it to let you know when to replace the belt? it jumps around alot...like a pully is wobbling...or a pully does not have constant tension on it... could it be an indicator that the main bearings are gone?other than that..it all looks really tight.

Any ideas?

 

check out the converter bolts, flexplate bolts, etc. exhaust rattling, whatever. the belt might be worn and that is why the tensioner is bouncing, check belt tension with your finger to see how much it moves, if not I have replaced them before around that mileage.

 

thanks...I will check that...could it be the harmonic balancer?

 

Any other ideas guys??

 

Well I drove the car for the first time today....I'm pretty sure it is in the motor...maby a rod bearing....ohwell...guess time for a new short block.

 

Soo...did you check any of the stuff xpndbl3 told you to check? Those are likely causes. Also check a motor mount or trans mount. If it was an internal problem, you should hear it at idle as well. Rod bearings are VERY noticeable--I spun 3 of them and you could hear my car knocking from a mile away. Started out quiet, but it was still a bit noticeable at idle. If it was a main bearing problem, you should have low oil pressure.

Belt tension has no relation to bad main bearings. Replace your belt and check to see if your tensioner is working properly. Does it shake violently when you rev it in park/neutral, or just when you're driving?