Belt SCREAMING at me...

[devon527]

So last week my car started squeeling like crazy, It had done this once before and It turned out to be the water pump... So I bought a new one and replaced it. Being dumb and not realizing that it was just the belt. Replaced it, put some belt dressing on it and the squeel was gone. The next morning however... it was back but only for a minute.

The belt has okay tension, not too tight. I'm thinking the alternator might be locking up for a second or two... any thoughts?

[WmWatt]

After working on my car the belt was chirping when first starting the engine but it went away and after 2-3 days of that it has been quiet since. I doubt the alternator is locking up. Maybe belt temperature, humidity, flexibility, or a neighbour's cat.

[GenevaDirt]

make sure you have enough tension...should be about 1/2 inch or so of play up and down. If the belt was run squealing for to long you may need to replace the belt...check for glazing....belt dressing is only a temporary fix.

[anomoly40]

I found my belt was screaming because the cam cover was interfering with the rotation of the water pump.

[89newb]

i agree so far. if the alternator was locking up i would THINK that the battery idiot light on the dash would flash while the belt is squeeling (during the theory of the alt. locking up). just my .02

[devon527]

I found my belt was screaming because the cam cover was interfering with the rotation of the water pump.

I run mine without the plastic cover on it, so this probly isnt the problem...

[Festiva Time]

Squealing when starting up.

I think you will find that it is the battery. Replace with a different brand. I have had this problem ever since I put an Autozone battery in my '90 Festiva.

[91_festy_Gl]

I think you will find that it is the battery. Replace with a different brand. I have had this problem ever since I put an Autozone battery in my '90 Festiva.

Buahahahaha! its probably just a old belt. Replace the belt and make sure it has proper tension. Done deal!

[devon527]

Well...... The belt tore apart today near home. AWESOME!

It was a BRAND new belt... at first I thought it was the water pump so I swapped a new one in. The belt was still screaming so I put a new belt on, helped for a day, then started up again.

I'm thinking its the alternator... I replaced it and I'm wondering if the pulley isnt far enough out that the belt is straight... HELP please guys

[Flyin4stroke]

Sounds like you have the wrong belt. Take the belt off if it isn't already and spin the alt. Listen for anything uncommon, does it spins freely (which usually means the bearing is shot) it shouldn't spin and spin and spin. Do the same check on the water pump pulley and let us know what u find. Also make sure you have the right belt.

[devon527]

Sounds like you have the wrong belt. Take the belt off if it isn't already and spin the alt. Listen for anything uncommon, does it spins freely (which usually means the bearing is shot) it shouldn't spin and spin and spin. Do the same check on the water pump pulley and let us know what u find. Also make sure you have the right belt.

The water pump pulley spins, but not much. The alt. pulley will spin around at least a full circle if I spin it with my fingers. Both seem fine... I will check if it was the right belt, but seemed just fine.

[devon527]

Okay had the alternator under warranty so I had it replaced... Started up perfect, but after about a minute... THE screaming came back. I'm absolutely out of ideas. Brand new alternator, belt, and whater pump. Could it be the bottom pulley for the crank?

[anomoly40]

Yes. Mine was glazed over. Some sandpaper can rough it up good. Its easier if you take it off.

[devon527]

Just tried that, didnt help... used 400 but kept the pulley on

[devon527]

My dad and neighbor think the belt is sitting too far inside the crank pulley, kind of locking it in and burning the belt up... my dads belt off his a/c Festiva is wider and seems to fit better. Mine has a/c but I am running it without that, it didn't come with the longer crank pulley. So what should i do? I bought a wider belt but now it won't go around the pulleys, I was gonna try a little longer belt...