New Member - 98 PA Ultra SC coupler help

[biggins78]

I recently purchased my grandfather's 98 PA Ultra. It's only got about 120,000 and is in cherry condition, but with one small issue: the rattling coming from the supercharger.

From searching through these forums, it sounds like I am most likely dealing with a coupler that needs to be replaced.

I will fully admit that I am not in the least bit mechanically inclined - never changed my own oil, held some wrenches for my uncle once while he changed his breaks - so replacing this myself does not seem like an option for me. I have two questions:

1. Does anyone know how much I can expect this to cost me if I pay a mechanic to do it?

2. If I can't afford to pay someone to do it right now (kind of broke at the moment) what will happen if I don't change it? Will it just continue to rattle, or will the SC stop working? If the SC stops working, will the car still be driveable?

Sorry if these are silly questions, but like I said - no mechanical knowledge or skills to speak of.

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give.

 

[HotZ28]

Normally, labor to replace the coupler would take about 1-hr. Labor rates are now about $85-$125 an hour. The parts consist of a new coupler ($15-30), supercharger oil, ($15) and Permatex Anaerobic Gasket Maker ($15). If you don't mind the rattling noise, you can continue to drive it without any damage to other parts. If the rattling does bother you, you can always remove the S/C belt and drive the car as long as you want to without boost. Performance would be similar to a normally aspirated engine and there would be no side effects.

Parts can be found in the links below:

http://shop.zzperformance.com/eaton-m90-supercharger-performance.aspx

Permatex Anaerobic Gasket Maker

 

[Ziggy]

If the rattling does bother you, you can always remove the S/C belt and drive the car as long as you want to without boost. Performance would be similar to a normally aspirated engine and there would be no side effects.

It suprises me to learn this. But you can't just add a supercharger from an ultra to a base model right?

 

[HotZ28]

It suprises me to learn this. But you can't just add a supercharger from an ultra to a base model right?

http://shop.zzperformance.com/3800-super-charger-conversion-kits.aspx

 

[jae18708]

Normally, labor to replace the coupler would take about 1-hr. Labor rates are now about $85-$125 an hour. The parts consist of a new coupler ($15-30), supercharger oil, ($15) and Permatex Anaerobic Gasket Maker ($15). If you don't mind the rattling noise, you can continue to drive it without any damage to other parts. If the rattling does bother you, you can always remove the S/C belt and drive the car as long as you want to without boost. Performance would be similar to a normally aspirated engine and there would be no side effects.

Parts can be found in the links below:

http://shop.zzperformance.com/eaton-m90-supercharger-performance.aspx

Permatex Anaerobic Gasket Maker

I haven't found a shop that replaces them. Every single one has told me they've always sent in the supercharger or replaced the whole s/c with one from the junk yard.

Also HotZ28, I've read post on different forums with people putting down the aftermarket couplers, because they are not the same as the OEM. I believe they said that the aftermarket is just plastic and its missing a spring or something used by the s/c. What's your thoughts on this?

 

[HotZ28]

I haven't found a shop that replaces them. Every single one has told me they've always sent in the supercharger or replaced the whole s/c with one from the junk yard.

No offense, but where do you live? Your mechanics need an education on S/C repairs. Replacing the S/C coupler is as simple as replacing the spark plugs!

Also HotZ28, I've read post on different forums with people putting down the aftermarket couplers, because they are not the same as the OEM. I believe they said that the aftermarket is just plastic and its missing a spring or something used by the s/c. What's your thoughts on this?

Total BS! There in not a spring in the coupler section of the Buick M90/M62 S/C and if you get the ZZP coupler, you will not have any problems.

 

[jae18708]

No offense, but where do you live? Your mechanics need an education on S/C repairs. Replacing the S/C coupler is as simple as replacing the spark plugs!

Total BS! There in not a spring in the coupler section of the Buick M90/M62 S/C and if you get the ZZP coupler, you will not have any problems.

LOL! Which is why I've been looking for mechanic on here. I am in Chicago's south suburbs, about 10-15 mins from the south side. I think I found an old man, knows the engine inside and out, and drives a Grand Prix GTP.
I bought my s/c oil and coupler from zzp, was just wondering if you heard that before.

 

[pila80]

The coupler on the wife's Ultra has been rattling for a year and a half. There's a new one in the glove box....gotta change that one of these days......

 

[Spriteman]

You funny pila80 - ha

 

[bigsky]

No offense, but where do you live? Your mechanics need an education on S/C repairs. Replacing the S/C coupler is as simple as replacing the spark plugs!

Interesting, in the GM service manual there is a NOTICE:

"Servicing of the supercharger unit itself is limited to replacement only. No attempt should be made to disassemble the supercharger, as parts damage may result."

Same thing happened with the seat motors; replacing the whole $1000+ rack instead of the $100 seat motor. No one could find a part number for the up/down motor.

Another case is the Electronic Brake Control Module. The manual states:

"IMPORTANT: The EBCM cannot be repaired. If faulty, the unit must be replaced."

Yet, others have claimed repair and there is an e-bay service to repair them. I was looking into it as I'm still working on a "Service Stability System" message. But for that, based on the recurring DTC codes I am getting (C1282 & C1283), I think the problem is the Yaw Sensor. I only got C1284 (Lateral Accelerometer) (with the other codes) one time, which would then point to more of a connector/wiring problem common to the two sensors, or maybe the EBCM.

 

[STG44]

This job can be done fairly easily,I bought a new snout on eBay got credit
back by returning the old one,I think cost was about $200 but I did the
work myself,I did this about 30000 miles ago the 97 GS has 197K on it😱
Still runs very well has headers(TOGS) can still hit 12lbs boost if you want😱
Pete

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-3800-3-8...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3386729f9e&vxp=mtr

 

[HotZ28]

Interesting, in the GM service manual there is a NOTICE:

"Servicing of the supercharger unit itself is limited to replacement only. No attempt should be made to disassemble the supercharger, as parts damage may result."

I wish I had the service manual back in 2011 when I did my last two complete rebuilds (including snout bearings, coupler & seal) 🙄 One is on my car now with over 50K (no problems pumping 12-psi boost) and the other a spare, if I ever need another one.

Naked Housing:

Rotors removed & cleaned:

Glass-bead case:

Inside Housing Cleaned:

Grease fitting for removal of Needle Bearings:

Needle Bearings Removed:

New Bearings Installed:

PCV Port Cleaned:

Reassembled and Ready to Install:

Reassembled & Running:

 

[Spriteman]

Very nice pics - that engine bay looks spotless - awesome.