Here we go again.
The A/C Compressor took a **** last week.
I thought I had a noisy belt or something until I looked under the hood and saw the clutch pack/etc. walking around... We drove it slow and easy and left it for the weekend and two days.
The dealer'* A/C charging unit took a **** on THEM so I had to wait for the repair! They replaced the compressor but couldn't charge it. I'm going back on Monday to have the rest of the work done.
Luckily, I've got a warranty that covers everything but the labor and R12 ($60x3 units) I'm told it'* the 'good stuff'. Cool, literally.

The dealer also mentioned that the alternator that was replaced last year on warranty is making noise and will be replaced at the same time the A/C unit is recharged.

I stopped at ActionAuto to get the GoodYear Gatorback belt for the N/A 3800 in my '92. $30.00 Not bad.
It goes with the GoodYear 'theme' I've adopted for the car.
Part # checks out according to this page: 4061025
http://www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com/...TbWoK:uur6cg6k
I did a Search on whether or not the motor mount would have to be dealt with re the installation of the belt. I'd asked back in August 2003.
willwren answered that it does not need to be dealt with.
In other words, on the N/A '92 SSE, the belt can be installed rather simply.
I'll give the belt to the dealer to install while they're changing the alternator and recharging the A/C Compressor. Should be easy enough for them.
feel free to confirm this...

I asked about the alternator thing and the Counterman told me that the H-Bodies of this vintage and 3800 motors did indeed 'EAT' alternators.
Something about the high output in a small package and inadequate grounding burning up the rear bearing grease... Sound right?
Is there a FIX or alternate alterator I can have them install while they're at it?

I had the AT flushed lately while the car is still under 60.000 miles. Already did the extra cooler.
The windshield was just replaced.
Next item is the 180 T-Stat for Summer and a new set of plugs. Already did the K&N filter and Taylor wires.
Brakes will be coming up. I'll save for that.
One thing at a time.
Good thing we just bought a HOUSE... THAT 'LL leave a lot of extra money laying around, right?

Sounds like a lot of fun! More like a PITA. Glad it'* getting fixed though. Hope they don't charge a ton more for doing the belt too. I just had an ordeal with the shop and my belt which started fraying within a few months....long story. I changed it myself for the first time in 5 minutes. I can't believe I paid them $80 to do it last summer. I'll be picking up a Gatorback soon...thanks for that link. Just as much as my Dayco belt, which I thought would have been much cheaper.

$322 + tax for the work so far with an offer of a discount for the PITA of waiting.
It could have been $1300 + without the warranty, which has thus far paid for itself.

Hey, neighbor. Trust me on the belt change. No problem with motor mounts for you (or me ). Domestic Performance offers the only real solution to our alternator problems. I'm running their 160 amp unit with a beefed up rear bearing. Others here are running those or the 200 amp model.

I co-installed a 200amp alot on smellbirds car with him. Have lots of different size sockets handy.... You'll need about 5. Metric and std too.

Very good alt, same voltage no matter what RPM he'* at all the time

Full warranty too.

L27 is a mechanics dream, after changing a belt on a 3100 in an Olds achieva (45 min+) i WANT to change mine.

Thanks, Will. I trust ya. It'* ME I'm not sure of...

How much for the $uper-bitchin' alternator?
I may just put money aside for one and change it out before Summer'* over.

Don't remember the price. Bought mine quite awhile ago. www.domesticperformance.com

BIGTIME SMILEY!

Got the SSE fixed today.
They replaced the alternator; recharged the A/C and installed my Gatorback belt.
TOTAL: $50.00 deductible from the Warranty.
The other charges were ALL covered.


The Dealeship came through for the inconveniences of last week, that'* for sure.
I'm a happy camper.

The Service Tech was happy to pass on the information re the Domestic Performance alternators, too.
I gave them the website URL to look into it.

Real Good day.