Thread: Engine Squeals

Alright, I know the sound of a loose belt: this is exactly like it only way worse. At a cold start, the engine turns fine, starts right up and no squeals. Drive for awhile (maybe 15-20 min.) and right at about ~195 degrees there is this horrific, constant squeal. I think that it is related to engine temperature because it happens constantly at around the same temperature. The squeal only occurs with no load on the engine (idle) and it doesn't matter if i am going 30 or 80. I thought maybe it was my radiator fans, but they run fine and smooth. The only other thing I can think of would be some accessory on the S belt with maybe a bad bearing or something similar. But what confuses me is that it only occurs when the engine is at normal operating temperature. Any ideas?

If your car is a GTP then take the S/C belt off with a 15mm wrench. If it still happens then look twards the accessory belt and pulley's. IT's more than likley one of the tensioner or idler pulleys.

Better get to it quick too.

My car's an '01 GT. I will try pulling off the S belt this weekend and see which of the pulleys "feels" tight. Thanks for the help and I'll let you know how I make out.

Sounds goood.

alright, worked on the car over the weekend. to make it short, i replaced the idler pulley (about $20 from advanced) got home put it on on she still squealed!
I pulled out the wd-40 to start working my way around each of the different pulleys. Started with the alternator and it shut right up. So thinking I was a lucky guy, i pulled off the alternator, took it to advanced to put on their tester. i had the guy run it with a belt for like 2 minutes; perfect charge, no squeal. Went home put the alternator back on, started it up and it squealed more. i put my ear as close as i could to the accessories (without losing it) and it seems to come from down lower. I almost want to say in the area of the water pump or crank pulley. I have no idea. so i will take it into a mechanic and have them tell me what the heck is wrong with it.

Just to fill anyone in, I had a mechanic look at the issue today. It turns out that my PCV valve's seal/ring was blocking and not allowing the crankcase to ventilate. It happens at a higher temp. because, well, air expands at higher temperatures. The squeal was coming out wherever it could. I had them change my oil at the same time, and they didn't even charge me the time it took to diagnose the problem. So I guess, if you are searching for a solution to your engine squeal, check the PCV valve first, the idler pulley second and then work your way around each pulley on the accessory drive.