I am now able to answer my own question. Turns out that the timing chain was not the problem causing the loud knocking noise. I found a sharp mechanic and garage that I could trust. He was as puzzled as I was initially. But, it didn't take him long to diagnose the problem as a harmonic balancer. The rubber coupling in the harmonic balancer had deteriorated and created the knocking noise which was loudest when the belt was on with engine idling.
Apparently with the belt on, the load on the crank and balancer (PS pump, alternator, water pump, AC compressor, etc.) was just enough to cause the metal parts of the balancer to vibrate and knock together. With the belt off and the engine running, the noise almost disappeared. It really had us scratching our heads. We had initially both thought that it would probably be an internal engine problem. The engine has 140,000 miles and even though it has been well maintained, I knew it would not be worth rebuilding. So, I was very happy that it was just the harmonic balancer. That only cost me $330 total. That was much cheaper than buying another car which I can't afford. The removal of the part required special tools that they had. Even so, they still had some difficulty. I have some mechanical experience working on various cars and am basically fearless. However,I recommend this type of repair is best left to a skilled mechanic who has the proper tools and has done this before. This is not a good DIY project to learn on.
Sorry, disregard this question, I didn't word it properly.
Begin by loosening the tensioner pulley on your 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Put your serpentine belt around the pulleys. Tighten the serpentine belt with the tensioner pulley.
it's called a serpentine belt.
There is only 1 way the serpentine belt will go on, there is no alternate way.
You have to unscrew the motor mount srews.
My 1986 Olds Cutlass Calais doesn't have a serpentine belt. It has a separate alternator belt. How do I change it?
There should be a diagram there. If not go to an autoparts store and they can find out for you.
Noise coming from engine in Oldsmobile Cutlass could be as a result of an oil leak in the rear of your engine. This makes the gears to wear off leading to severe knocking noise.
Bent, Broken, or misaligned pulley
air conditioner eliminator pulley from autozone.com
yes
Remove serpentine belt, remove three bolts ,an 2 wires. The alternator will pull up off the motor to remove. Put new alternator in replace bolts, replace wires, an replace the serpentine belt..