Not sure what this could be. Latley when I start from cold sounds like a whistling/sqeaking noise coming from the engine. Tends to go away when give it some throttle but comes back, and then completly goes once the cars had a bit of a run. Worried that it might be the cambelt but all the belts were changed just over 2 years ago. Any ideas guys??

Thanks
T.

 

Slipping alternator belt, to make the power required at low speed means very high torque, and right now you're probably adding a lot of electrical load and also darining the battery more with the colder starts.

Simon

 

Simon how can I solve it or is it something that needs to be done by a mechanic?

T.

 

Does it go when you dip the clutch?(could indicate thrust bearing problem)
Can't imagine it being a cambelt issue.

 

A belt that is too loose will usually squeak when you first start the car up as the alternator is working to put back the charge used by the starter motor. Speeding up & slowing down can also produce squeaking.

Assuming the bearing in the alternator is ok I would tighten the belt a bit more & see if that stops it.

Don't overtighten or you'll screw up the bearings. In the longest span of the belt you should be able to deflect it about 1/2 an inch (13mm) using finger pressure.

Mark

 

Best to try running it with the suspectauxiliary belt removed - then you'll know for sure if you've found the problem or not.

 

No it doesnt mate. Goes when I press the throttle a bit and then eventually goes completly once its run for about couple or so. It only seems to do it when its really cold or when its been sitting there for a couple of days.

Mark, thanks for that. Ill check the belt in the morning. This may sound silly but how do I tighten this up. Im not brilliant with a spanner etc but once Iv done it once Ill know how to do it again. I dont mind giving it a try but just need to know what part I need to take a spanner to?

Fiestaboy, wouldn`t mind doing that mate but I wont know where to start and dont want to end up with the car not moving as its my daily runner.

T.

 

To tighten it you 'move' the alternator, loosen the right hand mounting as you look down on it, loosen the clamp on the left hand mounting, adjust using the long bolt on the left then tighten the clamp and right hand mouning in turn.

Simon

 

I took these when I fitted my light weight alloy pulleys to MY 2003 WRX. They should help.

To get better access take the top cover off.



Then as The rookie says. Loosen the right hand mounting as you look down on it, loosen the clamp on the left hand mounting, adjust using the long bolt on the left then tighten the clamp and right hand mouning in turn.



Mark