Horrible screech

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Nanonevol
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Your car is a: 1977 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Medway, Massachusetts

Horrible screech

Postby Nanonevol » Tue May 09, 2017 5:31 pm

I have this horrible screech occasionally when I first start the car. It may continue sporadically for a mile or so but goes away once I'm warmed up. I've done some snooping around underneath but see nothing obvious. Please listen to this and see if it's anything anyone recognizes. It's the noise you hear right after the motor catches.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9_p6T ... sp=sharing

Thanks
1977 Fiat Spider
1985 Jaguar XJ6
1967 Triumph Bonneville (hard-tail chopper)
1966 BSA Lightning

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kilrwail
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Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Sport Spider
Location: Perth, Ontario

Re: Horrible screech

Postby kilrwail » Tue May 09, 2017 5:41 pm

Sounds like a loose alternator belt. Check the "play" available when the engine is off - should be about 1/4 - 3/8".
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Peter Brownhill

1978 Fiat 124 Sport Spider - original owner
1977 Porsche 911S - track car
2022 Ram 4 x 4 - hauler
PCA National Instructor and Motorsport Safety Foundation Level 2 Instructor

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spiderdan
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Your car is a: 1968 124 Sport Spider
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Re: Horrible screech

Postby spiderdan » Tue May 09, 2017 10:51 pm

kilrwail wrote:Sounds like a loose alternator belt.

Agree with you Peter.
If play is good I would replace the belt to see if the sound goes away. Some belts over time can develop a "shine" which can cause a slight slip and a squeal. As they warm up they get a better grip.
Dan
1968 124 Sport Spider
"Angelina"
2015 Toyota Camry XSE (hers)
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Nanonevol
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Your car is a: 1977 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Medway, Massachusetts

Re: Horrible screech

Postby Nanonevol » Wed May 10, 2017 7:13 am

That would be great if it's that simple. Just had the belt off for a new radiator and water pump. I'll let y'all know when I get a resolution. Thanks
1977 Fiat Spider
1985 Jaguar XJ6
1967 Triumph Bonneville (hard-tail chopper)
1966 BSA Lightning

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RRoller123
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Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
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Re: Horrible screech

Postby RRoller123 » Wed May 10, 2017 10:31 am

I usually need to put the wooden handle of a hammer behind there as a small lever to get the belt tight enough.
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
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Nanonevol
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Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2014 9:17 am
Your car is a: 1977 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Medway, Massachusetts

Re: Horrible screech

Postby Nanonevol » Wed May 10, 2017 1:10 pm

As they say at Staples, "That was easy". Thank you all. Sure did sound awful before.
1977 Fiat Spider
1985 Jaguar XJ6
1967 Triumph Bonneville (hard-tail chopper)
1966 BSA Lightning


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