Squeel on start up

[chrissy g]

Evening all

Just want to get peoples thoughts on this problem thats developed. Am now 4 months into ownership of 53 T350 car used everyday and have done 4k of memorable miles in the last 3-4 months. Noticed today when starting up at work a high pitched squeal from the front of the engine, after couple minutes completely disappeared. No problems running. Stopped go to gym start him up and he presto the same thing only few seconds. I did top up the coolant about 1 week ago, only about 50mls( now 2 inch below the top as per wooden spoon tecnique!). I have seen my temps slightly higher when stuck in traffic reaching about 100deg last couple of weeks. Both fans cut in (at 97deg). Had look under bonnet by torchlight tonight (love these short days :rollseyes no obvious problems that I can see with engine runnng. I presume its the belt at the front slipping? Is it the waterpump? Inclelement weather (car not garaged)? Prior to this starts first time, has gone no more 48 hrs without use and has used no oil.

TIA

Chris

Edited by chrissy g on Wednesday 13th December 22:24

Edited by chrissy g on Wednesday 13th December 22:27

Edited by chrissy g on Wednesday 13th December 22:29

[rich 36]

Hairspray on the fanbelt should do it

[chrissy g]

Thanks Rich, I presume it gets rid of condensation? my thought was that I'd slightly overfilled the expansion tank and it was releasing steam although havent spotted any mist.
Chris

[willyworm]

Belt drive to the alternator. It is difficult to tighten to the correct tension as there is nothing to lever on. I bodged up a gear puller which did the trick.

[rfisher]

If this happens when the clutch is engaged (ie clutch pedel not pressed down) then I would strongly suspect that your clutch has developed the dreaded broken finger syndrome.

The squeal is the pressure plate not clearing the flywheel. After a few spins it re-centres.

I speak from experience.

[EwanM]

Chris,

encountered exactly the same problem with my Sag. Happened every time I started the engine.

Took it into Henley TVR dealer and they said the belts needed tightening. Since they gave it the necessary tweak I haven't had the problem again. No more squeels, just growls!

Ewan

[rich 36]

If not hairspray or furniture polish

WD40
ticking over just spray a bit so it gets on all belt

don't go mad

[5yearstobuyatvr]

Same problem on my chim,Tj motors knew the problem straight away, the belt had loads of hairline cracks which caused a squeel when starting.no adjustment on Chim belt apparently,self auto tension when starting. new belt £20 did the trick.

[tvr moses]

It's the alternator belt slipping as mention by others, A good fix is to use "Belt Dressing" Its a high performance belt dressing that will add up to 50% more pulling power and end belt slippage for all V, flat and round belts.

It comes in a 400ml spray can and is made by Solvitol at about £2.50 a can at good motor factors.

Hear it works a treat, and is quicker and simpler that trying to adjust the belt.However it does wear off after approx a month so would need a quick spray again.

Edited by tvr moses on Friday 15th December 10:16

Edited by tvr moses on Friday 15th December 10:18

[GR1FF1F]

Had this on the Sag, although don't remember it happening on my T350. Initially it was one squeal when I started, but then it began to happena couple of times before settling down. Heard from the dealer that the initial squeal was a "feature", but since they tightened the belt a bit I don't get it at all. I'm also told that over-tightening must be avoided to prevent wearing the flywheel bearings.

[chrissy g]

Thanks for all advice! Update. Took it to the dealers - it was the alternator belt. When airbox removed it was badly frayed so will need replacing.

Chris