Horrible screech

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

Horrible screech

Post by Nanonevol »

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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Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 6:49 am
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Sport Spider
Location: Perth, Ontario

Re: Horrible screech

Post by kilrwail »

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

Re: Horrible screech

Post by spiderdan »

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

Re: Horrible screech

Post by Nanonevol »

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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Re: Horrible screech

Post by RRoller123 »

I usually need to put the wooden handle of a hammer behind there as a small lever to get the belt tight enough.
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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

Post by Nanonevol »

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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