my 04 3.8 has problem with the serpertine belt chattring when engine is cold, had the abt changed twice what to do to fix this vexing problem. after engine gets hot it shuts up? any thougths?

 

I think that you're referring to the automatic belt tensioner when you say "abt". If that's already been replaced and the noise is not coming from that part, then perhaps the belt is making the noise. You could try replacing the belt - I think they recommend 60,000 miles for them. Really the key here is to figure out where the sound is coming from - it could also be the AC, steering or alternator pulley that's making noise. From what I read online - "belt dressing" is a big No-No on serpentine belts - so don't go that route.

 

Definately DON'T use belt dressing. THere is no need for it.
If the belt is old/worn, it may have stretched, time for a new belt.
If the tensioner has been changed, odds are that's not your noise. I would suspect a water pump or A/C compression next.
A simple check.... With the engine cold, remove the belt. Spin each pully by hand. Odds are the problem pully will make noise. You can also try wiggling the pullies to see if any have play in them.

 

thanks 4 ur input. the waterpump was changed when i had that god awful dex cool flushed out. the abt was also changed at that time. i hit it with some wd40 ad it quit 4 awhile.do u think the pulley is bad? or replace belt? i don't know what to do. also when should u hav the spark plugs changed? its got 134500 on it. is this something i can do?

 

That's a lot of miles on your plugs. Definitely time for some fresh ones. The front 3 are easy to change. The rear 3 are a little tougher due to lack of space. It helps if you disconnect the brackets on the top/front of the engine. You can then rotate the engine forward a little.

 

this sounds like a gig 4 mr goodwrench.