Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: 1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88, oldsmobile delta 88, serp belt

Question
I was told that my harmonic balancer was going out...  The signs/symptoms I have gotton are as follows:

Glowing red hot catalytic converter
Decreased Power
A noise that sounds like ball bearings are stuck inside the engine while running (I feel that is the timing chain)
and stalling...

Any ideas or help is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanx, Tom


Answer
hi tom.well doubtful it would be your harmonic balancer. that noise is normally more like a hollow knock and more noticeable on shut off and restarts.a noise like ball bearings comeing from the front of the eng and assumeing you have a 3800 eng.would mmost likely be your timeing chain.or more precisely your tensioner..but first tom remove the serp belt is noise still there without belt on if so yes timeing chain.if no noise then something driven by the serp belt  alternator a/c water pump pwr steering.but with stalling prob it will most likely be the chain as the cam sensor senses the position of theno one piston in relation of the cam.and if chain is loose computer will try and compensate base timeing and fuel.and most certainly cause a stall.now the converter may be overheating due to timeing or may be a diff prob but first you must fix chain .hope this helps   billymac