Squealing from the engine

I haven't taken my boat out in awhile, so when I started it up yesterday I noticed there was a loud squealing. I took the serpentine belt off and spun everything by hand separately (water pump, impeller pump, alternator, 2 idler pulleys) and they didn't make any noise. Can I start the engine for a few seconds with the belt off to see if the squeal is coming from the crank bearings? Or is it possible that the belt is the issue? The belt is only 2 years old and shows no signs of wear.

Thanks

Trash

It's probably just a little too loose and your alternator is struggling a little to charge the battery. Check the belt tension.

Yeah, I have that problem on both boats from time to time. Its usually on startup and the belt eventually catches. Tighten it down and it should go away. Might try some belt dressing too.

I guess you could crank it with the belt offf... but I'd start with the belt tension. snug it up.

stock alt?

(Message edited by denverd1 on July 18, 2008)

adjust the tension on the belt or spray the belt with some aerosol hair spray like aqua net if its slipping thatll help, i wouldnt recommend cranking it with the belt off especially if your impeller pump is belt driven. id bet money the tensioner just needs tightening very easy to do all you need is a 5/16 and 5/8 wrench loosen the the nut put the 5/16 on the shaft and turn clockwise this will cinch adjust the tensioner up and take the slack out.

I just looked at it again. I started up the engine while it was on the trailer (hooked up water of course), and saw that water was spitting out of the raw water pump right where the shaft comes out. I'm hoping now that it is just the seals that can be replaced, as the pump as a whole is over $600.

Has anyone done this? Is it easy to remove the pulley and get at the seals? I'm guessing the bearings have to be pressed out. I'll probably take the pump in if it's more complicated.

Thanks

Trash

Running for a short time (10 seconds) without the belt would be okay. As far as the pump is concerned, since it isn't turning, it wouldn't care!

The biggest concern would be overheating the exhaust as there will be no cooling water.

I really doubt that the squealing would come from the engine block. It it isn't the belt slipping then it would most likely be a bearing on one of the belt driven pulleys.

Rod

a new raw water pump should only be $150-200.

Invest in some belt dressing and give it a shot everytime before you start. You should be good to go.

ours makes a noise if the belt gets wet

Is there an easy way to tighten the pulleys?

I have lots of black dust from belts and I hear squeaking at low rpm too. I can feel the slack in the pulley.

I have a couple new ones, should I just throw one on, or should I see if I can tighten them so the problem doesn't return?

(Message edited by wakemikey on July 18, 2008)