Squeal when starting from cold

[coach]

Hi

Another found today...

I get a slight squeal (not the g.box/clutch as I alway depress when starting) when I start the beastly banana up in the morning - think it might be a slightly loose belt - any opinions?

Regards

Coach

[.Mark]

Sounds like a loose/worn belt.
If it's not too bad a light dusting with talcum powder or, if you are very careful*, rub a piece of wax on the underside of the belt with the engine running. That will silence it until you get it replaced.


*Usual disclaimer with regards to hands/fingers around moving engine ancillaries!



>> Edited by .Mark on Sunday 8th June 22:36

[ribol]

Try spraying the belt with belt dressing. It gets the job done without affecting you job prospects as a concert pianist

Ivan

[xain]

Coach,
why do you press the clutch when starting? There is an old school of thought that this is a good way to wear out the thrust washers on the crank, as you're placing a good bit of lateral load on it by pressing the clutch, and the pistons are all rattling round with the crank slightly out of it's normal true.
This is an old classic car thing, where they used to have white metal thrust washers, so it may not be applicable, but hey, this is an old design of engine and what's the point in doing it/harm in not doing it?

[jtong]

I thought you depress the clutch on starting because then the starter motor is only cranking the engine and not the gubbins in the gearbox too? Hence less of a load on the starter.

[ribol]

Its not so much the bits inside the gearbox but more that cold gearbox oil is very thick and gives the starter a lot more work to do. Unless you drive a car with a straight six Triumph engine the thrust washers are not an issue.

Ivan