Helix sounds like a worn belt???

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
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Whelan
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Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:30 pm

Helix sounds like a worn belt???

Post by Whelan »

Just installed it, unplugged the battery when I did. It stutters very slightly at idle like most said it would. I took it for a ride, the whistle is there. Def. more throttle response at low RPMs and from a start, the engine is less eager to shift down but here are the symptoms:1) Sounds like a really whiny old worn belt almost at idles. Quite annoying, does this go aways?2) Constant whistle each time you let off the throttle, always like that?3) The worn belt noise doesn't seem to stop until I start off and hit 2500 rpms and above, but when you are slowing down it goes right back again.I gotta say if this is what I'm stuck with I may just sell it off cause I am not really gonna sacrifice the constant noise for a little better response.
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BlueCrush
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Re: Helix sounds like a worn belt??? (Whelan)

Post by BlueCrush »

Wierd! Mine makes no noise at all. My idle is super quiet, that is when my belt tensioner isn't rattling. No stumbling/stuttering with mine either. Maybe the one you got has some defects with it?
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scherry2
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Re: Helix sounds like a worn belt??? (Whelan)

Post by scherry2 »

I have to agree with bluecrush. mine doesn't make a sound. air leak maybe from the gasket out of position?
Whelan
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Re: Helix sounds like a worn belt??? (scherry2)

Post by Whelan »

I drove to my cousins house cause I didn't have time to really diagnose. Engine light came on, then the oil lamp would come on at certain stops.Well after a good look I realized I have a vacuum leak. The two hoses that connect to the TB are still the stock pull spring style. I tightened them before leaving and no noise. When I got home I noticed it was back, not as bad as before, but back. So tomorrow I am going to head to the store and pickup some screw clamps and tighten down good and tight, should fix the problem. I must say though that the car is very much so less eager to downshift, even at highway speeds to get from 70-80. From the line it def. picks up faster and the powerband just feels smoother, the car just overall runs better if seems. Gas mileage is still TBD and I will give a fuller review once I fix this little hiccup. But I can now say that putting it on a Dyno may not unlock HP, but it may help boost torque and mileage. We shall see.
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keithvibe
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Re: Helix sounds like a worn belt??? (Whelan)

Post by keithvibe »

I only hear a slight whistle when i get in the throttle. Hope getting your vacuum lines fixed helps. Maybe you installed it upside down HAHAHA.
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Whelan
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Re: Helix sounds like a worn belt??? (keithvibe)

Post by Whelan »

Well instructions said to install with the engraving (i.e. the part #) facing towards the TB which means outwards from the engine. I put the gasket supplied between the space and the TB as well. I notices the gasket from where the TB met the original plate seemed just like a small rubber gasket, nothing special. I wonder if that has an effect.There was also a bracket that seemed to hold the TB in place, and attached to a lower part of the engine, I had to remove that to fit the space in. Oh and this morning, while driving to work, I zip tied the hoses and it seemed to work for about 3 minutes if that. Then on the way into work the car chugged and white smoke was now pouring out of my exhaust (could not see behind me). I pulled off and popped the hood, let the car cool down, unplugged the battery and reconnected, smoke was gone, but the noise is still there. What a PIA this is turning out to be. I hope the clamps I put on will help, if not, I'm lost and will just take it off.
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satur9
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Re: Helix sounds like a worn belt??? (Whelan)

Post by satur9 »

that sounds kinda like you suck in some coolant. if the lines are tight. are you sure you didnt crack or damage your thottle body. this thing shouldnt be giving you that many problems
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northvibe
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Post by northvibe »

his car is at the dealer now, there is some other problem with the car that caused this that is much bigger than the helix...
Petrucci914
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Re: (northvibe)

Post by Petrucci914 »

Hmm. White smoke is fuel, isn't it? Or is it coolant? If coolant then it could be head gasket. Crazy. Can't be from the spacer, though.
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northvibe
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Post by northvibe »

My coolant burned slightly blue i think.......and stunk...I think...and my engine temp went up... a lot.
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