I've got a problem with my '02 coupe. I installed a Blackwing back in 2003 and in early 2004 I noticed a squeal coming from under the hood upon start up. Since it only happened on start up and for the first 15 minutes of driving I figured it was a belt.

Took it to the shop, the only shop I've ever trusted, and they changed the belt and adjusted the pulley tensioner. Problem solved or so I thought.

Within a year the problem returned. Once again I took it to the shop and they told me it wasn't a belt, it wasn't the pulley tensioner, it was due to the Blackwing and that a service bulletin had been released on the problem AND the only recourse is to reinstall the stock air box. Naturally, I asked to see the bulletin but they said they didn't have it on hand.

As a sad result, the car sits in my garage and when started, sounds like...well, like something less than a 50K car. A LOT less.

Anyone know of any service bulletin that talks about this? I have searched for days and can't find a thing. I find it hard to believe that out of thousands who have a Blackwing installed, I am the only one with a squealing problem. I really, really, really don't want to reinstall the stock air box but if I absolutely have to...

Any comments, suggestions or directions to go in are very appreciated.

 

Just my .02 worth, but I would disconnect the Blackwing and start the car (just for a few seconds). to see if the problem goes away. Who did they say published this "service bulletin"? GM? Personally, this sounds like BS to me. I have a Bwing and it doesn't make noise.

 

Yep, they said GM published the service bulletin, yet I can't find a thing on it.

 

I can't see where this is possible

 

Just doesn't seem possible that the Blackwing is the source of the squeal. I've had mine on for over three years and sure doesn't sound like that. I'd say your problem is something else.

 

Hey C8R2NO1,
What a great display at the Car Show!!! Your car Rocks!!

 

Interesting to hear what it really is, but I have a hard time believing it is the CAI.

 

No squealing here. You may want to check here to see if you spot a Service Bulletin. I didn't see it and I've never heard of the issue. I think your getting a

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ry.php?catId=6

 

 

It's kind of hard to crimp or pinch the black wing enough to get a squeal from the air being sucked in. plus there's no moving parts.

i wonder what the problem could be?

 

 

Check the AIR pump, if it's only making noise for the first 15 minutes it could be the pump, maybe grit in the impeller, or bearings, or one of the lines is leaking air. The AIR pump is electric and only runs long enough to add additional O2 to the exhaust to pass emmissions and help heat the cats faster.
That's the only thing I could think of that runs for a very short duration when first started and driven.

 

That sounds strange to me! I don't see how it could squeal!

 

Took it to the shop, the only shop I've ever trusted, and they changed the belt and adjusted the pulley tensioner. Problem solved or so I thought.

Didn't know you could adjust the tensioner...thought it could only be replaced.

 

 

the pulley tentioner is probly going bad,thats just my opion

 

The belt tensioner is self adjusting, spring loaded to move inward to maintain the same tension on the serpentine belt as it begins to stretch. I think the only thing they adjusted was the contents of your wallet.

 

Had mine on for about 10k miles now. No noise here...

 

Sounds kinda strange, I think the shop kinda put one over on you. If its more of a whistling rather than a squeal, you might try cleaning the Blackwing and reoiling. Perhaps the air is pushing through one section of the filter faster than others.

 

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. Looks like the next step for me is to go ahead and put the stock air box back on just to verify the shop's theory, then proceed from there, whether that be to call them back and verbally let them have it or find another worthy shop in the Portland, Oregon area.

As a side note, the original fix was done under warranty. The second attempt to get the squeal fixed was with 2 months left on the warranty. Since the shop said they couldn't fix it and probably knew the warranty was about to expire and didn't want to foot the repair cost, I figure I'm going to be looking at a hefty labor bill from someone trying to sort out the problem. And no, that doesn't make me too happy.

Thanks again! As usual, this place is THE place for answers!