Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

[PDubs]

Engine is 502 MAG MPI. When it starts to get cooler out, or as cool as central Texas can get, I notice that we get a squealing noise coming from the engine area. The noise increases in speed (not volume) with RPM. After searching many forums, it sounds like it could either be (1) serpentine belt or (2) failed part or (3) both.

Is there a way to isolate the issue? Additionally, how hard is it to change the belt? The belt hasn't been changed in at least 3 years and my mechanical inclination level is limited to mainly winterization tasks.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

You can check belt deflection If over half in. then adjust tension. Inspect belt for cracks.. New one from Merc is $90+ bucks

 

[PDubs]

Re: Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

How to adjust tension? If it's real bad, how to replace? Local shop said it was an easy job.

 

[PDubs]

Re: Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

Tightened the belt and the squeal continues. Brought a buddy along and he thinks it sounds like a pulley. In order to isolate which pulley is the source, can I lightly spray some WD40 on each until the squeal subsides?

 

[Pete104]

Re: Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

I don't think you have any belt issues.

Try taking the flame arrestor off. Only for a short time! But see if it makes a difference.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

What you may need is a handy-dandy noise isolator (a.k.a. a tube or some sort). I usually use the extension tube to the shop vac or something like that . You hold one end up to your ear and point the other end at various parts/areas where you suspect the noise. Be careful not to get the tube too close to moving parts, etc. (else you will get big surprise )

I am thinking an idler wheel or something. . . might cost $15 to fix.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

Squirt water on the belt while its running, if the squeal goes away its the belt!

 

[ziggy]

Re: Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

What you may need is a handy-dandy noise isolator (a.k.a. a tube or some sort)

i call this tool, my hearing horn. it's actually my old cooling hose that went from the transom up to my t stat housing. i use it on cars and boats... my last use was on my good truck that wouldn't run. the hearing hose lead me to the problem too. my good truck now runs..... it works.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Squealing from engine during cooler temperature

Dont use WD-40 anywhere on the belt, it will cause problems. A spray of water wont hurt anything. I would take a pic of the belt installed, so you can thread it right through the pulleys. A smooth pulley= back side of belt, groved pulley= inside of belt. I have seen good looking belts make alot of noise, still have to change them. There should be a tensioner pulley, and a ideler pulley, they sometimes start making noise too, as the bearings dry out. I would try the belt first, take it off, go to autozone, have them measure it, and get new one for about 35.00. My .002