Starter squealing?

[JAL51974]

I have this intermittent problem with a squealing noise on ignition. Ignition switch turns on, starter engages and engine fires but there is a squealing sound, not every time I turn it on and it only lasts for a second when it does happen. Is this the starter getting ready to quit on me or some other component in the ignition process? It does not happen when the engine is running so its not a belt noise or alternator either. The only mod I have done to this ignition system is to replace the points with and electronic ignition module, but the sound was there before I did that anyway.

It is the kind of sound I know I have heard before on old cars!

How should I test out this system to diagnose the problem? Thanks.

Joe

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Starter squealing?

You're going to have to find the source before doing anything else. Check your belt tensions and conditions. Listen for the squeal when somebody else starts it and see if it's the alternator or someting else.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Starter squealing?

I will check the belt but if it was that wouldn't it squeal whenever the engine is running? this only happens when the starter is engaged never when the engine is running.

 

[Coors]

Re: Starter squealing?

Are you hearing the flywheel- ringing of a mis-aligned starter?

 

[RandyJ]

Re: Starter squealing?

Had a squeal in mine when I first drug it here to revitalize the old junker. Found the bearing in the timing belt tensioner was frozen and the source of the noise. Other noises I've found causing squeaking were water on top of piston, starter noises... all kinds of stuff...jus have to isolate the source. I even bought a stethoscope to find noises...works pretty good but not 100%.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Starter squealing?

Coors-
can you describe that more what is a "misaligned starter"?
The noise sounds familiar to me, like on an old junker car that only squeals as you start it up, not as the engine is running. Which is why I think its related to the starter somehow.

Joe

 

[Coors]

Re: Starter squealing?

It's hard to describe.
Instead of "grr grr grr; it goes gr zing zing zing" really high pitched.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Starter squealing?

this noise sounds like a belt squeal noise, not metallic sound or a "zing" sound.

 

[mkfs9]

Re: Starter squealing?

Take the belts off it is easy to do then turn the starter.If you still have the squeel at least the belts are out of the equation.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Starter squealing?

thanks mkfs9 that is a great idea!