3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

[festab]

I have a 3.0 mercruiser 2007 alpha1. Lately when I start it cold or hot there is a squeaky sound that lasts about 5 seconds. I was told the battery might be low on charge but it is good. It only makes the noise when in gear. If I rev it in neutral there is no nosie. It also seems to be worse when trimming the motor? I have read a few threads and I am going to put some wd40 on the belts today and see if that is it.
Any suggestions?

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

Is the V-belt loose on the front of the motor?

 

[achris]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

... I have read a few threads and I am going to put some wd40 on the belts today and see if that is it.
Any suggestions?

I certainly hope you're kidding here!!! If the belt is at the correct tension and still noisy, replace it... If you MUST put anything on it, bath soap, nothing else!

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

I certainly hope you're kidding here!!! If the belt is at the correct tension and still noisy, replace it... If you MUST put anything on it, bath soap, nothing else!

Actually, I have had good luck with just the tinniest shot of WD40 to troubleshoot a squeak. With no long term ill effects. A 1/2 second shot is usually all it takes. DONT overdue it. However, I do like the soap idea

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

When you start an engine you draw down the battery just enough to cause the alternator to go to relatively high output for anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or so and possibly longer. That load will cause the belt to squeak if it is loose or worn. As soon as the battery is up to snuff and the regulator cuts back the noise goes away. Activation of the trim is a high current draw item. That high current also loads the alternator and the squeak returns. Fix or replace the belt.

 

[tylermcclintock]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

Like achris said avoid WD-40. If your going to use some sort of spray they make belt lubricant. (Which of course like WD-40, just masks the problem) Belts squeakin' for a reason. Time for a new one

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

I'd check the belt tightness as DonS suggested.

If the belt needs to be replaced, buy a second one and zip-tie it out of the way. 3.0's are a pain to replace the belt since the port side motor mount spacer needs to be removed. (Don't touch the starboard side motor mount bolts.)

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

WD40 is oil. light oil, but oil just the same. THe belt is rubber, maybe synthetic , but rubber just the same. Rubber will absorbe oil, and that softens and weakens the rubber.
If your trouble shooting a belt squeek, they sell belt dressings that slightly increase the 'tack' / friction, and are designed not to damage the belt.
You can usualy replace the belt for nearly the cost of the dressing.
Soap/ fabric softener, etc, DECREASE friction, allowing even more slip but adding lubrication so the squeek temporarly vanishes. basicaly, increasing the problem but hideing the symptom.
A squeeking belt is best replaced, but first, understand that it is a symptom. @ either a worn or loose belt, or a damaged /out of plumb pully.
sooooo, first find the cause, then replace the cause.

 

[festab]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

OK. went for a run yesterday and can confirm the squeak is there whether in gear or neutral, also when trimming. It only lasts a few seconds. Silvertip's post below nails it exactly.

But I have now discovered another issue, when I hold a tight turn position for a while(right or left) the motor overheats with the siren going off. The siren stops when I head straight and the water temp drops to half way on the gauge. I have just had the impeller replaced so it is new.
Also the temp on the gauge runs from half then up to 2/3rds(180??) and continuously does this. It wasn't doing this before the impeller was replaced. Is this normal and any thoughts on the siren overheat warning?

 

[festab]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

OK. went for a run yesterday and can confirm the squeak is there whether in gear or neutral, also when trimming. It only lasts a few seconds. Silvertip's post nails it exactly.

But I have now discovered another issue, when I hold a tight turn position for a while(right or left) the motor overheats with the siren going off. The siren stops when I head straight and the water temp drops to half way on the gauge. I have just had the impeller replaced so it is new.
Also the temp on the gauge runs from half then up to 2/3rds(180??) and continuously does this. It wasn't doing this before the impeller was replaced. Is this normal and any thoughts on the siren overheat warning?

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

Things I would check,
Thermostat.... often they fail, when something in the system gets changed. No explanation on why, just chaulk it up to thr S#*% Happens rule.
Next, check that on these tight turns, your water intake is actualy in the water. A new addition to the transom, trim tabs, etc, or an imporoperly installed water screen on the drive migt be a reason....
Also, temp sending unit. not sure how to check it, but those are the things I would start with....

 

[series60]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

But I have now discovered another issue, when I hold a tight turn position for a while(right or left) the motor overheats with the siren going off.

How much is a while? Are we talking 30 seconds or are we talking 'some kid spinning his tires in a parking lot 'til they explode'?

The siren stops when I head straight and the water temp drops to half way on the gauge. I have just had the impeller replaced so it is new.

New maybe, but do you trust the person who did the work to do it right?

Also the temp on the gauge runs from half then up to 2/3rds(180??) and continuously does this. It wasn't doing this before the impeller was replaced.

"but do you trust the person who did the work to do it right?"

Is this normal

No

any thoughts on the siren overheat warning?

It's telling you there is a problem! I would start with the "New Impeller". Did you see the old impeller when it was removed? Where all the fins still attached. Maybe some bits and pieces are lodged somewhere on the water intake side.

One more thing, you will be better served if you start a new thread about your cooling issues.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

Soap/ fabric softener, etc, DECREASE friction, allowing even more slip but adding lubrication so the squeek temporarly vanishes. basicaly, increasing the problem but hideing the symptom.

Ayuh,.... Almost every 1 of my toolboxes has a bar of Lava handsoap in it....
Not only does it take grease, 'n grime off yer hands,...
It's 'bout the Best belt dressing there is....

While replacin' a bad belt is truely the only "Fix",....
Rubbin' the bar of Lava on it will get ya 1 more lap, to get home....

But I have now discovered another issue, when I hold a tight turn position for a while(right or left) the motor overheats with the siren going off. The siren stops when I head straight and the water temp drops to half way on the gauge. I have just had the impeller replaced so it is new.
Also the temp on the gauge runs from half then up to 2/3rds(180??) and continuously does this. It wasn't doing this before the impeller was replaced. Is this normal and any thoughts on the siren overheat warning?

Ayuh,.... So, Don't turn so sharp, for so long.....

My guess is, at a Hard turn, yer pinchin' off the hose in the transom that the water comes in through...

 

[achris]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

OK. went for a run yesterday and can confirm the squeak is there whether in gear or neutral, also when trimming. It only lasts a few seconds. Silvertip's post nails it exactly.

But I have now discovered another issue, when I hold a tight turn position for a while(right or left) the motor overheats with the siren going off. The siren stops when I head straight and the water temp drops to half way on the gauge. I have just had the impeller replaced so it is new.
Also the temp on the gauge runs from half then up to 2/3rds(180??) and continuously does this. It wasn't doing this before the impeller was replaced. Is this normal and any thoughts on the siren overheat warning?

Check the water hose, inside the bell housing, is not being pinched when the wheel is turned... (closing off water flow)...

 

[festab]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

How much is a while? Are we talking 30 seconds or are we talking 'some kid spinning his tires in a parking lot 'til they explode'?

No, just a normal turn I guess it takes about 10 secs to turn in the river where I ski.

New maybe, but do you trust the person who did the work to do it right?

It is the mercruiser dealer, and I have booked to return the boat as it sounds like a water pressure problem , impeller or pinched hose, either way it was't there before they did the work.

"but do you trust the person who did the work to do it right?"



No



It's telling you there is a problem! I would start with the "New Impeller". Did you see the old impeller when it was removed? Where all the fins still attached. Maybe some bits and pieces are lodged somewhere on the water intake side.

One more thing, you will be better served if you start a new thread about your cooling issues.

Thanks for the tip, wasn't sure how to proceed.

 

[festab]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser squeaky sound when start up

Thanks for your help on this, great forum!