Archived Help Squealing Noise and Low Coolant Temp

[ChrisKringle]

I ran into a gas station last night and heard a squealing noise coming from under the hood. Popped the hood, and the noise seemed to be coming from around the CP3 pump and power steering pump but couldnt be sure. Sounded like a bearing going out. When I got home, I noticed the coolant temp was not up to normal, it was a little lower like the engine was still warming up, then it actually dropped a little while I was waiting for it to warm up. So I got out the mechanics stethoscope to listen for the squeal but it had quite.



Two other problems that may be unrelated. I noticed quite a bit of oil that has leaked from around the valve cover since I added some oil last week. I have attached a picture of this. I had a professional shop put injectors in back in March, about 10,000 miles ago, but not leaks until now. This is quite a bit of oil so I am concerned. Also the drive belt has some damage on one edge, if you watch it from above you can see the front edge wobble as the damage passes by.



Engine has 113,200 miles, never changed the coolant. I also just got back from 900 miles at freeway speed (2100-2500 rpm's). I have the Amsoil bypass which returns filtered oil thru the oil fill cap right onto/into the valves/valve cover. Could there have been a "puddle", or excessive oil in there from extended higher rpm operation that cause oil to seep through the seal?

 

[ChrisKringle]

Ok, pulled black plastic cover over valve cover and I think maybe my crankcase breather on top of the valve cover but under the black plastic is clogged and caused air pressure to build and oil to seep from around the oil fill cap, the engine slopes to the rear so that would explain how the trail starts from the fill cap, widens around the breather box, and widens at the rear of valve cover and spews over sides and down by exhaust. I think . . . , ?

 

[mfburns]

Just thinking out loud here. Check the water level to be sure you have enough water to read on the temp gauge. Replace the belt that you say is frayed. I think you may have a water pump issue. Look for possible water leak around the pump. With the belt off try to wiggle the water pump pully to see if it is loose. This may be the source of the noise. I think the oil issue is a separate issue that you may have addressed in the second post.

 

[ChrisKringle]

Ok, checked water level.



Ok just checked all pulleys and the power steering pulley has end to end play, about 1/8 inch or so is about what I can move the pulley in and out. So I take it the pump bearing are going bad? Would this explain why one side of the belt has started to fray, if the belt mad contact with the edge of the pulley?

 

[mfburns]

THat could be it. If the belt is running true and the pulley is moving in or out it could ride on the high spot and then start to fray. I have repleced two belts but always because it was cracking on the ribs. I never had fraying along the edge. I think the pump is most likely your issue.

 

[ChrisKringle]

Well I went to purchase a new power steering pump, and the new one has in and out shaft play just like the one that's on there. So, I'm sure my pump is fine, I'll slap the new belt on there and keep an eye on it. As far as the seeping oil around the oil fill cap, any ideas? I blew some air thru the crankcase filter and no obstruction at all.

 

[GaryOwen]

As far as the oil leak, check the rubber connector on the blow-by tube on the valve cover. It is a reducing rubber connector that often gets loose and leaks. I recently replaced mine and it was leaking oil in about the same place. Was also getting some carbon monoxide in the cab!



Gary

 

[ChrisKringle]

Ok, I am back up and running, after verifying all pulleys turned easily with no noise, I put a new belt on. Everything worked fine, with no noise. So, the squealing was just the damaged belt, the temp issue was just the cold night, and the oil blowby from the fill cap is probably just a bad seal. I ran the engine with the fill cap off, and only a slight amount of steam/air was coming from the hole, so I don't thing the rings are toast.

 

[mfburns]

GLad to here it was just the belt. Keep an eye on it, just in case. I know I have had my truck 10 years and have replaced the belt twice. When I see cracks on the ribbed side I replece. Better safe then sorry.