Engine Squeeling
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Roselle IL
Engine Squeeling
My engine squeels a bit when stepping on the gas off idle. It is somewhat loud and only lasts for a second or so. I notice it when starting the engine or when blipping the throttle agressively while working in the engine compartment. Definately a bearing/bushing type squeel. I just replaced the PS pump, so I am guessing that is not it. I figured that this might be the Water pump. Any ideas from the experts. I cannot seem to isolate where it is coming from. The engine was rebuilt 8 years ago, but have no idea how old the WP or Alternator are.
I vaguely remember some warnings that squeeling water pump is a pre-cursor to a water pump seal failure.
Thanks.
I vaguely remember some warnings that squeeling water pump is a pre-cursor to a water pump seal failure.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I would look into belt slippage before bearings or accessories. A belt that's loose and or slipping through the groove will sound just like that.
Check all the edges of all the belts for any kind of excessive edge wear. This makes the belts narrower and they fall into the grooves where they rub.
If none are loose and all seem to be sitting correctly in the grooves then look to the accessories or bearings.
Check all the edges of all the belts for any kind of excessive edge wear. This makes the belts narrower and they fall into the grooves where they rub.
If none are loose and all seem to be sitting correctly in the grooves then look to the accessories or bearings.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 929
Likes: 5
From: Marietta GA
I agree with DB. Sounds like belt squeal. Buy some belt dressing and apply to the contact area of the belts while the engine is running. Also, if the PS pump was just replaced the belt might be out of adjustment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
I would definetly start looking for a loose belt before I started into bearings. If you definetly cannot isolate it by ear, remove your belts one at a time to see which one, if any, is loose. you can run your engine for a short time without the belts attached, but I would do the water pump belt last.
Gary
Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
When you put a new belt on, it takes a bit for it to stretch into final shape. My money is on the P/S belt you just replaced. Check all for too much slack. Being short, the P/S belt should have less than 1/4" of play in it. Either that, or you bought a belt that doesn't match with the pulley design. (Wrong "V" design...they're not all the same.)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Roselle IL
Good idea guys. The belts are older, but in decent shape. However, I did notice that the belts ride pretty low in the grooves. Maybe I should look at replacing them. The pulleys have a little build up as well.
I'll start there. I was thrown off by the sound only occuring under load off idle.
Thanks.
I'll start there. I was thrown off by the sound only occuring under load off idle.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
The reason that happens is the throttle and motor are pulling hard and they are not going to wait for a lagging belt. If the belt slips and can't grip when the motor says so, they squeal as they slide through the grooves of the pulleys very quickly.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Mine does that too. I am pretty sure it is a belt. It's been going on long enough that if it was something else I would have had bigger problems by now! 
I was afraid it was a signal of waterpump going south, but like I said, it's been doing it for a long time and waterpump is still pumping water.
I was afraid it was a signal of waterpump going south, but like I said, it's been doing it for a long time and waterpump is still pumping water.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
with everyone else. My 75 Camaro does the same exact thing. Like everyone else, I thought it was the water pump going, but it was brand new and it's been on for a couple years, and it still drives fine. Isolated it to the PS belt. I don't really care, everything works, and you can barely hear it over the exhaust anyway 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Mine does that too. I am pretty sure it is a belt. It's been going on long enough that if it was something else I would have had bigger problems by now! I was afraid it was a signal of waterpump going south, but like I said, it's been doing it for a long time and waterpump is still pumping water.
I was afraid it was a signal of waterpump going south, but like I said, it's been doing it for a long time and waterpump is still pumping water.Yeah when a water pump goes out it will usually start weeping drips of water out. Basically, they pump until catastrophic failure. Either the bearing and shaft seize or the bearing drops the shaft and the impeller grenades on the inside of the pump housing.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
You can also check the w-p w/the motor off. grab the fan on either side and if there is plan in the w-p its time to replace it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,777
Likes: 105
with everyone else. My 75 Camaro does the same exact thing. Like everyone else, I thought it was the water pump going, but it was brand new and it's been on for a couple years, and it still drives fine. Isolated it to the PS belt. I don't really care, everything works, and you can barely hear it over the exhaust anyway