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#1 |
![]() Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Southlake, TX
Posts: 586
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Hey Guys,
I have a couple of recent posts up regarding my cold engine "chirp." The chirp is present when the engine is cold and disappears after warm. The engine runs great, has no leaks and the pulleys all pull "pretty straight" with no unusual run-out. I did the "hose to my ear" diagnosis and did not hear anything unusual. However, I could not get a super good read on the water pump. Does anyone have a good way to diagnosis the water pump for noise or could post a video of a water pump chirp? Also, besides the "lightly spray the belt" with water, is there any way to tell if a 4k mile belt is bad? Thanks!
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Bill Schroeder Texas Proud! 1991 Corvette ZR1 #1388 2015 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker ![]() Last edited by billschroeder5842; 07-07-2020 at 11:02 PM. |
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#2 |
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri
Posts: 6,493
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My belts (on #3 now) seem to last ~12k miles or so. The water (or better yet Windex) seems to be the best way to discriminate between squeaks from a worn belt vs. "other".
If you remove the belt and spin the individual belt driven devices by hand, a bearing issue will often make a (how do I describe it) rolling sound like castors on a wood floor. ALSO, there is often a little felt vibration as you spin a bad or dry bearing. AND, as damage progresses, the pulley can be made to wiggle back and forth if you push/pull on it from side to side. I replaced my tensioner pulley once. It started squeaking at first and then made a lot of racket as it wore (rapidly!)..and it wobbled side to side with the belt removed...so there's that. If noting else, replacing the belt will for sure eliminate that possible issue, tho I don't recommend willy-nilly replacing parts as a preferred method of troubleshooting - only as a last resort if no other tests are possible or all other sources have been tested and presumed "good". And, there's always a tired belt tensioner spring. (There are articles (and videos too maybe??) showing DIY replacement of the tensioner spring). But, a weak tensioner spring graduates from a "squeak" to a "chirp" and then a prolonged or continuous squeal with the pitch changing from high pitched to a lower "squalling" sound if you suddenly rev the engine OR turn on the AC. And, some anecdotal info... I too sometimes experience a squeak when I first start the engine after it has been sitting for a few weeks, especially if temps are/were freezing or below. It typically goes away after idling for 3 or so minutes of idle. And, especially if it quiets down with a spritz of water or Windex, unless the squeaking returns...forgetaboutit! (Turn up the radio!).
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Good carz, good food, good friendz = the best of timez! 90 #1202 "FBI" top end ported & relieved Cam timing by "Pete the Greek" Sans secondaries Chip & dyno tuning by Haibeck Automotive SW headers, X-pipe, MF muffs Former Secretary, ZR-1 Net Registry |
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#3 |
![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Dakota/California
Posts: 3,791
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I am thinking serpentine belts should last 6 or 7 times that long
![]() I cannot imagine getting a new Serpentine Belt every three or four oil changes ![]() Water Pumps should go at least that long also (say 100,000 miles). When To Replace Serpentine Belts
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Left Clickable links ![]() -Solutions- LT5 Modifications/Rebuild Tricks Low Mileage ZR-1 Restoration 1990 Corvette (L98) Modifications LT5 Eliminated Systems LT5 Added Systems LT5/ZR-1 Fluids 1995 LT5 SPECIFIC TOP END REBUILD TRICKS Last edited by Dynomite; 07-08-2020 at 09:43 AM. |
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#4 |
![]() Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Southlake, TX
Posts: 586
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Thanks guys- I'll try some water/windex when I get home. Hopefully I it is the belt as I have a spare.
I always thought if a bearing let loose I'd see some fluid?
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Bill Schroeder Texas Proud! 1991 Corvette ZR1 #1388 2015 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker ![]() |
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#5 |
![]() Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Southlake, TX
Posts: 586
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Well, it is good to be good but way better to be lucky...
I got home from work and went to test. I started her up and the chirp was pronounced, so I pulled out my hose and listened carefully.. alternator.. tensioner... water pump...power steering.... nothing. I put some healthy squirts of windex on the belt around the alternator; immediately quieter. The chirp did come back intermittently but I kept squirting and eventually nothing. Big improvement! So, is it best to swap belts, do something to the pulleys, keep squirting or just.... deal with it?
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Bill Schroeder Texas Proud! 1991 Corvette ZR1 #1388 2015 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker ![]() |
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#6 |
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: fishers,indiana
Posts: 76
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You could try just spraying the belt with belt dressing. Should quite it up. If it is a newer serpentine belt it could end up making the rubber harder after it wears off and the noise worse though.
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