squeeking when staring

D

Doug Blondin

Recruit
Joined
Oct 9, 2007
Messages
1
I got a 1991 doral 350 with twin inboard 7.4 mercs. recently when I start the port side up there is a high pitched squeek for a second and when I rev it up it persists for a minute until warmed up.

What happening?
 
Haut Medoc

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: squeeking when staring


Welcome to iboats.......:)
Slipping belt?.......
Check for tightness.......;)​
 
T

thrasher

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 23, 2007
Messages
443
Re: squeeking when staring

I would suspect it's the belt that drives the alternator that needs tightening. When you first start an engine it takes a lot out of the batteries, so the alternator has to immediately work at recharging the battery, if the belt driving the alternator is a little loose it will slip and cause a high pitched squeal, as the battery starts to recharge the load drops and the belt will stop slipping. The squealing is damaging the belt, so don't leave it too long before you tighten the belt. Whilst you are tightening the one belt, take the oppertunity to check the others..

Gary
 
M

Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: squeeking when staring

I concur with tthe alternator belt being the main suspect. I had an annoying squeak, more like a howl, on our boat, sounded for all the world like the power steering pump. It was the alternator belt. The sound was completely different than what I was used to on a car.
 
texanaustinite

texanaustinite

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 9, 2007
Messages
96
Re: squeeking when staring

Had the same issue with the power steering belt. It was in good condition but had some give to it. I tightened it up and the noise went away. I did replace it though, since it was a five years old.

I was given this tip: "Put a little soap on the belts and see if the squeal goes away. If so the belt needs replacing. If not then you may have a bearing in one of the pulleys starting to go bad."

Worked for me.
 
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