In article <wJ43d.46500$9Y5.33440@fed1read02> John Smith
<nospam@nowhere.com> writes:


>That is an interesting possibility because it fits
>the symptoms. How can I confirm this?

Spend $20 and replace the belt (yourself) or spend $80 and have the
dealership do it. Do not spray any belt dressing on it because it's really
sticky and gets all over things and "gloms" up the engine compartment.

 

In article <JN43d.46538$9Y5.45640@fed1read02> John Smith
<nospam@nowhere.com> writes:


>Another problem is that this problem occurs when the engine is cold -
>typically in the mornings. By the time I drive up to the shop, the sound
>is gone.

Belt. Definitely. Would bet $100 on it.

>Then there are periods of days when it disappears completely so makes
>me suspicious of what's going on.
>
>John

 

In article <JN43d.46538$9Y5.45640@fed1read02> John Smith
<nospam@nowhere.com> writes:


>Another problem is that this problem occurs when the engine is cold -
>typically in the mornings. By the time I drive up to the shop, the sound
>is gone.

Belt. Definitely. Would bet $100 on it.

>Then there are periods of days when it disappears completely so makes
>me suspicious of what's going on.
>
>John

 

My power steering pump makes a whining sound when I start the engine on
real cold mornings (-10 F and below). That noise is different from a
slipping belt tough. The whine usually fades away within one or two
minutes. Seems that the PS fluid gets thick and the pump cavitates a bit.


Carl
90 Integra

 

My power steering pump makes a whining sound when I start the engine on
real cold mornings (-10 F and below). That noise is different from a
slipping belt tough. The whine usually fades away within one or two
minutes. Seems that the PS fluid gets thick and the pump cavitates a bit.


Carl
90 Integra

 

On Sun, 19 Sep 2004 00:58:21 GMT, jajabinks <a@b.com> wrote:

>Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
>engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
>outside temp, shouldn't it?

Rubber and rubber-like compounds, unlike other materials, shrink when
they get hot. A cold belt warms up and shrinks.


Elliot Richmond
Freelance Science Writer and Editor

 

On Sun, 19 Sep 2004 00:58:21 GMT, jajabinks <a@b.com> wrote:

>Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
>engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
>outside temp, shouldn't it?

Rubber and rubber-like compounds, unlike other materials, shrink when
they get hot. A cold belt warms up and shrinks.


Elliot Richmond
Freelance Science Writer and Editor

 

E. Meyer wrote:
> On 9/18/04 7:58 PM, in article 3qlpk095k7fc4hcokpumbkblbel34ju2as@4ax.com,
> "jajabinks" <a@b.com> wrote:
>
>
>>"motsco_ _" <"motsco_ _"@interbaun.com> wrote:
>>
>>>John Smith wrote:
>>>
>>>>Hi All,
>>>>
>>>>I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
>>>>however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
>>>>screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
>>>>as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
>>>>is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
>>>>Phoenix AZ
>>>>
>>>>Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>>>>starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>>>>more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>>>>with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>>>>
>>>>Any suggestions would be welcome.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>
>>>>John
>>>
>>>===========================
>>>
>>>One of your belts is just a bit too loose. A tiny shot of water will
>>>prove which one it is. Then tighten it a bit.
>>>
>>>Piston slap sounds like a VW diesel idling. That's not likely your problem.
>>>
>>>'curly'
>>
>>Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
>>engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
>>outside temp, shouldn't it? My car only does that when temperature is
>><20 degrees F. Annoying as hell but goes away after 1-4 minutes
>>depending on how could it is.
>>
>
> Could be the bearings in one of the pulleys or tensioners.
>
> ==============

Idler bearings usually get noisy when they get HOT, but a belt that
chirps cold is loose, or 'glazed' as someone else said it. Once the
engine is warmed up, squirt some water on one of the belts and restart.
If you get the same noise, that's the belt to tighten. You can also try
running the fan, headlights, stereo, portable beer fridge, to see if the
squeeling lasts longer. Then you could guess it's the alternator belt. I
think Honda belts have to be a lot tighter than they did on cars in the
'olden days'

'Curly'

 

E. Meyer wrote:
> On 9/18/04 7:58 PM, in article 3qlpk095k7fc4hcokpumbkblbel34ju2as@4ax.com,
> "jajabinks" <a@b.com> wrote:
>
>
>>"motsco_ _" <"motsco_ _"@interbaun.com> wrote:
>>
>>>John Smith wrote:
>>>
>>>>Hi All,
>>>>
>>>>I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
>>>>however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
>>>>screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
>>>>as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
>>>>is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
>>>>Phoenix AZ
>>>>
>>>>Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>>>>starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>>>>more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>>>>with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>>>>
>>>>Any suggestions would be welcome.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>
>>>>John
>>>
>>>===========================
>>>
>>>One of your belts is just a bit too loose. A tiny shot of water will
>>>prove which one it is. Then tighten it a bit.
>>>
>>>Piston slap sounds like a VW diesel idling. That's not likely your problem.
>>>
>>>'curly'
>>
>>Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
>>engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
>>outside temp, shouldn't it? My car only does that when temperature is
>><20 degrees F. Annoying as hell but goes away after 1-4 minutes
>>depending on how could it is.
>>
>
> Could be the bearings in one of the pulleys or tensioners.
>
> ==============

Idler bearings usually get noisy when they get HOT, but a belt that
chirps cold is loose, or 'glazed' as someone else said it. Once the
engine is warmed up, squirt some water on one of the belts and restart.
If you get the same noise, that's the belt to tighten. You can also try
running the fan, headlights, stereo, portable beer fridge, to see if the
squeeling lasts longer. Then you could guess it's the alternator belt. I
think Honda belts have to be a lot tighter than they did on cars in the
'olden days'

'Curly'