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I have a squeak, sometimes when first starting. It seems to be from the left side of the engine compartment. (I can never get the hood up before it stops.) It seems to be less than engine speed, maybe 1/4. (That doesn't make sense to me.) It is not related to outside temp or engine temp. It only lasts for a few seconds, then stops. And it is always on startup only. Don't know where to start. 92 XL 5SPOD 4.0. ANt help is appreciated. Thanks.
Does it sound like a belt squeak or more mechanical?
When you say 1/4, do you mean that for every four revolutions of the motor, you get one squeak?
If that is the case, I would look to something driven by the belt like the radiator fan, which will be driven at a different RPM than your motor. Also, check the contact portion of the belt which might have something on it and squeak every time it hits one particular pulley. Does it change with the A/C on or off?
The reason it could be the radiator fan is that there is a viscous coupling that makes the fan turn faster when the radiator is puting off a lot of heat. Sometimes they squeak before they fail.
Naturally, there are a lot of things along the path of the belt that can cause a squeak, especially the idler pulleys and tensioner.
Also, the cam shaft sensor can cause a squeak which is more internal to the engine. I am not sure if this would squeak every fourth revolution or would be more constant.
I have isolated it to the left side of the engine compartment. I think it is either the power steering, ot the AC compressor. Each time I get under the hood, it stops.
How hard is it to change the tensioner? I think I'll change that first. Kinda shotgunning, but it's been on there for quite awhile. How much are they, and is a dealer the only place to get one? Thanks.
The tensioner isn't too difficult to change, but I don't think it is your problem based on the fact that it is not a constant squeek. The same is true for the idler pulley. Both of these would squeek several times per RPM because they turn faster because of their small size. The tensioner is on the passenger side and the idler is towards the top.
I would look to the A/C compressor clutch. This isn't too hard to change but isn't cheap, so I would not change it unless you were sure it was the problem.
The Camshaft Position Sensor isn't difficult to change, but alignment is critical, so you might want to leave it to a shop.
I have been paying more attention to it, and it is constant with RPM's. Is it reasonable to change the idler pulley along with the tentioner? I'm going to do the tentioner this weekend. I was quoted $80 for the tentioner, does that sound reasonable? Please be aware that I am retired, (very old) and have some tools. I have done valve jobs before, in the carb days. It ia also associated with temp. When I forst start it up in the AM, that's when it happens. Later in the day, it does not.