montreal-1

I once had a O2 sensor code triggered and I could not erase the code by disconnecting the battery terminal. I believe that OBD-I can be reset this way, but not OBD-II which has a non-volatile computer memory and requires a scan tool to reset it. There is an aftermarket of DIY scantools created to help frustrated car owners who were otherwise being charged 50$ to $100 by dealers to reset a code after owners forgot to screw on the gas cap tightly (generated a bad canister purge pressure reading).

I tried listening to the PS pump and alternator using your screwdriver turned stethoscope tool and each accessory generates a different low frequency sound due to the different diameters of the pulleys. The loudest sound between the two was coming from the PS pump. But I cannot say if the high frequency pitch we hear is a perfect harmonic of the PS pump's low frequency pitch, so I can't conclude easily which of the two accessories is generating the high pitched noise. Only removing one belt at a time will indicate this.

I note again that the area immediately above the crank pulley has a black oil film, proof that oil has found its way onto the back face of the crank pulley and been sprayed by centrifugal force in all directions. Did this oil escape via the front seal, the oil pan gasket, or the front cover gasket? I cannot say.

I will have a chance next weekend to probe a bit further and will post any news here.

TeKKiE, thanks for your encouragement.