belt squealing... (1 Viewer)

[amaurer]

this should be an easy question....

I'm on a road trip right now, everything is going great with the truck... except...

Today, we're at the coldest point on the trip and its around 0C. Both times I started the truck today the belt squealed - each time, reving it up to high RPM once stopped it.

Belt is 8mo.s old, tops, and has never squealed before, except for twice in the past when I changed coolant and probably spilled some on the belt.

The reason I'm asking is - the alternative explanation is that the squeal is from the water pump and my squealing in the past wasn't from spilled coolant, but from dying bearings. Is there a correlation between cold weather and a dying water pump.

I am carrying a new pump... but changing it would suck hugely, I have only hand tools and I already know the bolts on my fan are on TIGHT.

I'm hoping you're going to tell me how stupid I am, and to tighten the belt and be done with it.

 

[Poser]

I would verify that the belt tension is correct.

 

[splib]

Some belt dressing might stop the squeal (STP used to make some), but coolant and bearings don't mix. Don't ask me how I know this. I have, however, prolonged their life even though I knew they were going to fail by squirting them with lithium grease, often, to get me home. I'd say start cheap, belt dressing, then a new belt. Good luck!

 

[amaurer]

I would verify that the belt tension is correct.

And just so I don't screw it up, how do you do this?

When I tensioned it previously, I tightened until there was 1" of deflection under finger pressure on the longest run of the belt (which, for my 3B, is between the crank and the alternator).

 

[DirtyLawyer]

Not sure if there is an "official" way to determine proper belt tension, I think you probably have it right, with a little flex. Mine is pretty much like that, never heard a squeal.

0 deg? Brrrrr. Good think you hooked up the 12v ass warmer!

 

[lostmarbles]

Normally it is a sign of the waterpump bearings being on the way out (unless the belt is obviously very loose or has got oil on it) Drew.

If the belt tension looks roughly right and there's no oil on it, I suggest leaving it alone (and keeping your fingers crossed) until you get back home again.

And when back home (I'm sure you'll make it!) loosen off the belt tension and check the water pump shaft for play and for that "rough-bearing feel".

It can be surprising how much belt noise a bad pump can make - And also how long a pump/fan shaft can wobble around before the seal can't take it anymore and spews out all the coolant.

Good luck



PS. I doubt spilled coolant would cause belt squeal but I know spilled oil will.

PPS. I wouldn't try to increase the tension in the belt while you're on your road trip because it could well hasten the demise of your pump bearings (if they are bad).

 

[grant5127]

21st Century Technology.....

Not sure if there is an "official" way to determine proper belt tension,

--------> Gates Sonic Tension Meter 507C

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Is this a stock wide belt, or a skinny belt commonly used in power steering swaps? If it's a skinny belt, they are harder to stop the sqealing as they don't grip the pulleys well.

If the waterpump is going bad, you will usually start getting dampness at the weep hole under the pump.

 

[jtoro]

Sometimes, especially when it's that cold, the rubber is stiff and squeals. Try putting a little bit of lard (pork fat) on the pulley. This will lubricate the belt without damaging the rubber. If squealing doesn't dissapear and the belt is not loose, your water pump is done. Be very careful with the water level and always check the temp until you get home and have a chance of checking everyting.

 

[handcannon]

New belts will stretch as they age. It can start out properly tensioned but loosen as the belt ages and stretches. If you have not checked the tension since putting it on new it may just need to be re-tensioned. Check it but don't over tension it. The 1" of deflection you mentioned earlier sounds good.