On the 3.8 it is right beside the oil filter. A piece of black plastic about 2.5 inches long with a wiring connector plugged into it.

 

This same thing happend to mine only I was driving down the highway not sitting still. The problem with mine was when the oil sending unit let go it got into the belt and took just shy of half of it off.

So yeah age may have had something to do with it but that hunk of broken plastic in the moving rubber belt had a part in it as well.


Mystery Solved.

 

New Update:

My dad and I further inspected, as it looks to us as if the bushing/bearing in the Tensioner are going. It sitting slightly at an angle; The belt is closer to the edge than it used to on the tensioner and the water pump.

Anyone know if those are replaceable?
If not, I'm going to need a new one

 

If you have Advance Auto parts or somethng like that, they should carry them.


http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...51_10051_-1___

 

I just double checked both my kids cars today to see how that pulley looked. One of them is running the belt on the front edge of the pulley. Thinking maybe I had a pulley bearing going, I picked up one and put it on. Same thing. Turns out, it looks like the tension spring thing is leaning alittle forward making the belt ride forward. Guess I need to be looking for one of those.

 

Ok so further information:

Its not just the pulley the whole tensioner apparatus dealie thing is leaning, too

What a wacky design It has water pump lines built into it
$85 for a new one, Special order from Autozone

Now, I just have to wait for my paycheck to come.

 

$85 ! Wow! I think I am going to try to find one in a boneyard.

 

Do you have a boneyard with any f-bodies in it? There's about 5 yards within 30 minutes of where I live and none of them have any f-bodies. Which really sucks for me because I'm out of cash and I need a driver-side 98-02 taillight. They said they can order me one for $210...I can buy a new one for $230.

 

Tried ebay or CL? There is usually a ton of stuff on those sites and way cheaper than 230 bucks. Its sorta off topic but I just got a complete set of covers , front and back off of craigslist for 35 bucks. The fronts are normally 60 plus.

 

And also try golsn.com

I have seen a set of tail lights that looked like they were brand new advertised for $40 and doors for $60 a pair.