Squeal from Motor

[Morganizer]

I have a 94 L300 and I'm getting an intermittent squeal from the engine that is most prominent in the first minute after a cold start. I guessed fan belts, but checked tension and added belt dressing and no change.

The squeal occurs intermittently, and when it occurs is constant from application of gas to get moving until the automatic transmission shifts into second gear, then it quiets down rapidly. I have also heard it occasionally on the highway when the transmission shifts down a gear.

Observation: the mechanically-driven fan is loose. That is, with the engine off I can turn the fan with my hand, and it will spin with friction on its shaft. Is it supposed to be this way? I'm guessing it's designed to slip, a clutched connection to ease accelerating/decelerating the fan too rapidly.

What else could I look at to solve this problem?

[jessef]

reach down and see if you can wiggle or loosen the crank shaft pulley bolt. If so, take it to a shop immediately and have them check and torque it down.

your description sounds like a belt slipping to the tee

[snelson]

I'd check the power steering fluid too to see if you're low.
Not sure about the fan/belt tension. Would be interested to know though if it's supposed to slip - anyone??

I had a squeek\squealy belt that turned out to be the alternator belts being too loose. maybe double check that it's belts are tight..

[92Nicopolis]

Yeh the fan should spin by hand, you should feel a little drag when you turn it, this is normal. if it spins with no drag or wont spin then you have a issue.
I had a issue like this a long time ago on my gf's car, i used belt dressing checked the tension and it was good, took it to a shop and they said the belt was glazed and even though there was no wear or cracks i needed a new belt, they changed the belt i kept the old one and couldnt see the glazing but it didnt squeal again

hope this helps

[legionnair]

The belts maybe tight but check and see if they are bottomed out in the pulley if so then they will slip and make alot of noise. Little tip for a glazed belt take some 120 grit sand paper and scuff the sides of the belt then bar over the motor and continue scuffing. Giving the pulley a slight scuff will help to. Something to save a few bucks is always good

Dustin

[Morganizer]

Thanks for your suggestions. Today I checked for glazed belts, and they all looked/felt pretty good. I rubbed with a bit of 120 grit, but it didn't seem to make a difference; the belts are all pretty grippy.

All the belts are good and tight, with the possible exception of the one closest to the motor, on the main shaft. It's not really loose, just a little more flex than the others.

So I applied more belt dressing, and some WD-40 on the shaft of the idler (tensioner) pulley. I thought that might be drying out over time and squealing.

I'm wondering if one of the devices driven by the pulleys is seizing up, so the belt slips on it until it gives and starts spinning. That's the pattern: about 1/5 cold starts, squeal until I hit 2nd gear. It's really embarrassing! Makes it look like I don't take care of my Deli. I imagine it will eventually do it every time, and be easier to troubleshoot. But sheesh, I hope it doesn't come to that.

What's the most likely component to seize and then start spinning? I'm guessing A/C pump. The A/C is not functional, I assumed because it needs to be recharged. But maybe there's more wrong with the pump.

Can you tell me where to find the power steering fluid reservoir? I've looked and I've looked, and still don't see it.

[salmostrom]

I just got my deli back together last night (er, well this morning) and i believe the power steering fluid reservoir is inside the hatch under the drivers seat (the one with the wingnut, not the entire panel).
I had the same symptoms as you, and it was my alternator that was not lined up and loose. Not sure if you checked that or not, might be worth a shot?
Cheers
Salmo

[legionnair]

When the squeel happen again drive until it stops pull over shut it off and feel the pulleys the hotter pulley is the slipping one

Good luck

[Super Exceeded]

Maybe you just need to install a cat overnight!!!!

[yojimbo]

Can you tell me where to find the power steering fluid reservoir? I've looked and I've looked, and still don't see it.

Under the removable panel behind the drivers seat.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Can you tell me where to find the power steering fluid reservoir? I've looked and I've looked, and still don't see it.

Under the removable panel behind the drivers seat.

Slide driver's seat forward and lift the carpet up, this hatch is beneath the carpet.

Falco.

[Morganizer]

Okay, squeal was the V-belt, not the power steering pump.

Here's another question: I wasn't sure what type of fluid was in the reservoir, so I bought mineral oil. I had trouble checking it, and finally realized that the mineral oil seems to be floating on ATF that was in there.

Anybody know if this fits? Is mineral oil lighter than ATF?

Any danger in having a bit of both in there? I succeeded in siphoning the ATF out of the reservoir, but there's more in the lines and in the pump.

[Fishtank]

Okay, squeal was the V-belt, not the power steering pump.

Here's another question: I wasn't sure what type of fluid was in the reservoir, so I bought mineral oil. I had trouble checking it, and finally realized that the mineral oil seems to be floating on ATF that was in there.

Anybody know if this fits? Is mineral oil lighter than ATF?

Any danger in having a bit of both in there? I succeeded in siphoning the ATF out of the reservoir, but there's more in the lines and in the pump.

Are you saying there was red ATF fluid in your power steering reservoir? Are you also saying you put normal mineral oil in? If you don't know, there is fluid designed specifically for power steering systems.

If so, flush it and change it out with actual power steering fluid. If you don't have the resources, get a shop to do it.