Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

Brian Smith wrote:
>>
>>Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>>starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>>more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>>with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>
>
> What have you done in the two years, since it started doing this?
>
>

Well, I've taken it to my mechanic -had him check out the belts
to make sure they were appropriately gel'd. I got new (front) brake
pads about 6 mo. ago and had them look at the engine again.

Another problem is that this problem occurs when the engine is cold -
typically in the mornings. By the time I drive up to the shop, the sound
is gone.

Then there are periods of days when it disappears completely so makes
me suspicious of what's going on.

John

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

Brian Smith wrote:
>>
>>Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>>starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>>more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>>with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>
>
> What have you done in the two years, since it started doing this?
>
>

Well, I've taken it to my mechanic -had him check out the belts
to make sure they were appropriately gel'd. I got new (front) brake
pads about 6 mo. ago and had them look at the engine again.

Another problem is that this problem occurs when the engine is cold -
typically in the mornings. By the time I drive up to the shop, the sound
is gone.

Then there are periods of days when it disappears completely so makes
me suspicious of what's going on.

John

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

jajabinks wrote:
>
>
> I have the same problem. Search the usenet archive, the problem seems
> to be 'piston slap' and is apparently normal.
>
> http://groups.google.com
> search: civic piston slap
>

As pointed out by 'curly', that's not it...

John

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

jajabinks wrote:
>
>
> I have the same problem. Search the usenet archive, the problem seems
> to be 'piston slap' and is apparently normal.
>
> http://groups.google.com
> search: civic piston slap
>

As pointed out by 'curly', that's not it...

John

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

"motsco_ _" <"motsco_ _"@interbaun.com> wrote:
>John Smith wrote:
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
>> however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
>> screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
>> as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
>> is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
>> Phoenix AZ :)
>>
>> Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>> starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>> more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>> with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>>
>> Any suggestions would be welcome.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> John
>
>===========================
>
>One of your belts is just a bit too loose. A tiny shot of water will
>prove which one it is. Then tighten it a bit.
>
>Piston slap sounds like a VW diesel idling. That's not likely your problem.
>
>'curly'

Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
outside temp, shouldn't it? My car only does that when temperature is
<20 degrees F. Annoying as hell but goes away after 1-4 minutes
depending on how could it is.

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

"motsco_ _" <"motsco_ _"@interbaun.com> wrote:
>John Smith wrote:
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
>> however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
>> screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
>> as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
>> is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
>> Phoenix AZ :)
>>
>> Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>> starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>> more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>> with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>>
>> Any suggestions would be welcome.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> John
>
>===========================
>
>One of your belts is just a bit too loose. A tiny shot of water will
>prove which one it is. Then tighten it a bit.
>
>Piston slap sounds like a VW diesel idling. That's not likely your problem.
>
>'curly'

Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
outside temp, shouldn't it? My car only does that when temperature is
<20 degrees F. Annoying as hell but goes away after 1-4 minutes
depending on how could it is.

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

On 9/18/04 7:58 PM, in article 3qlpk095k7fc4hcokpumbkblbel34ju2as@4ax.com,
"jajabinks" <a@b.com> wrote:

> "motsco_ _" <"motsco_ _"@interbaun.com> wrote:
>> John Smith wrote:
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
>>> however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
>>> screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
>>> as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
>>> is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
>>> Phoenix AZ :)
>>>
>>> Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>>> starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>>> more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>>> with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions would be welcome.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> John
>>
>> ===========================
>>
>> One of your belts is just a bit too loose. A tiny shot of water will
>> prove which one it is. Then tighten it a bit.
>>
>> Piston slap sounds like a VW diesel idling. That's not likely your problem.
>>
>> 'curly'
>
> Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
> engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
> outside temp, shouldn't it? My car only does that when temperature is
> <20 degrees F. Annoying as hell but goes away after 1-4 minutes
> depending on how could it is.
>
Could be the bearings in one of the pulleys or tensioners.

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

On 9/18/04 7:58 PM, in article 3qlpk095k7fc4hcokpumbkblbel34ju2as@4ax.com,
"jajabinks" <a@b.com> wrote:

> "motsco_ _" <"motsco_ _"@interbaun.com> wrote:
>> John Smith wrote:
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
>>> however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
>>> screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
>>> as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
>>> is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
>>> Phoenix AZ :)
>>>
>>> Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>>> starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>>> more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>>> with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions would be welcome.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> John
>>
>> ===========================
>>
>> One of your belts is just a bit too loose. A tiny shot of water will
>> prove which one it is. Then tighten it a bit.
>>
>> Piston slap sounds like a VW diesel idling. That's not likely your problem.
>>
>> 'curly'
>
> Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
> engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
> outside temp, shouldn't it? My car only does that when temperature is
> <20 degrees F. Annoying as hell but goes away after 1-4 minutes
> depending on how could it is.
>
Could be the bearings in one of the pulleys or tensioners.

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

Like Curly said, I would first suspect a belt.

I replaced my alternator belt and removed, then reinstalled the power steering
belt earlier this summer (all as part of a bigger job). I immediately started
getting the screech-at-cold-startup, too.

It turned out I hadn't tightened the alternator belt sufficiently. I did so, and
have had no problems since.

"John Smith" <nospam@nowhere.com> wrote
> Hi All,
>
> I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
> however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
> screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
> as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
> is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
> Phoenix AZ :)
>
> Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
> starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
> more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
> with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>
> Any suggestions would be welcome.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

Like Curly said, I would first suspect a belt.

I replaced my alternator belt and removed, then reinstalled the power steering
belt earlier this summer (all as part of a bigger job). I immediately started
getting the screech-at-cold-startup, too.

It turned out I hadn't tightened the alternator belt sufficiently. I did so, and
have had no problems since.

"John Smith" <nospam@nowhere.com> wrote
> Hi All,
>
> I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
> however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
> screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
> as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
> is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
> Phoenix AZ :)
>
> Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
> starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
> more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
> with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>
> Any suggestions would be welcome.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

Loose belts do this on cold mornings because you have just started the
engine and the Alt goes into a full load to start replenishing the battery.
Ya ought to hear it in -20 degree weather
Steve
"jajabinks" <a@b.com> wrote in message
news:3qlpk095k7fc4hcokpumbkblbel34ju2as@4ax.com...
> "motsco_ _" <"motsco_ _"@interbaun.com> wrote:
>>John Smith wrote:
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
>>> however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
>>> screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
>>> as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
>>> is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
>>> Phoenix AZ :)
>>>
>>> Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>>> starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>>> more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>>> with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions would be welcome.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> John
>>
>>===========================
>>
>>One of your belts is just a bit too loose. A tiny shot of water will
>>prove which one it is. Then tighten it a bit.
>>
>>Piston slap sounds like a VW diesel idling. That's not likely your
>>problem.
>>
>>'curly'
>
> Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
> engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
> outside temp, shouldn't it? My car only does that when temperature is
> <20 degrees F. Annoying as hell but goes away after 1-4 minutes
> depending on how could it is.
>

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

Loose belts do this on cold mornings because you have just started the
engine and the Alt goes into a full load to start replenishing the battery.
Ya ought to hear it in -20 degree weather
Steve
"jajabinks" <a@b.com> wrote in message
news:3qlpk095k7fc4hcokpumbkblbel34ju2as@4ax.com...
> "motsco_ _" <"motsco_ _"@interbaun.com> wrote:
>>John Smith wrote:
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I own a 99 civic coupe - has given me flawless service
>>> however, since around 2002, it has been emitting a shrill
>>> screeching sound when the engine is started cold (such
>>> as early in the morning. Once the engine heats up, the sound
>>> is gone. I put 'cold' in the subject line because I live in
>>> Phoenix AZ :)
>>>
>>> Yet, this problem occurs more frequently once the weather
>>> starts to cool down. I know this is not the brakes, it sounds
>>> more like a belt needing some silicon but despite repeated checks
>>> with the shop, they cannot find a problem.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions would be welcome.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> John
>>
>>===========================
>>
>>One of your belts is just a bit too loose. A tiny shot of water will
>>prove which one it is. Then tighten it a bit.
>>
>>Piston slap sounds like a VW diesel idling. That's not likely your
>>problem.
>>
>>'curly'
>
> Do loose belts cause the noise to occur only during cold days when the
> engine is cold? Noise due to loose belts should occur regardless of
> outside temp, shouldn't it? My car only does that when temperature is
> <20 degrees F. Annoying as hell but goes away after 1-4 minutes
> depending on how could it is.
>

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

"John Smith" <nospam@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:JN43d.46538$9Y5.45640@fed1read02...
>
> Well, I've taken it to my mechanic -had him check out the belts
> to make sure they were appropriately gel'd. I got new (front) brake
> pads about 6 mo. ago and had them look at the engine again.
>
> Another problem is that this problem occurs when the engine is cold -
> typically in the mornings. By the time I drive up to the shop, the sound
> is gone.
>
> Then there are periods of days when it disappears completely so makes
> me suspicious of what's going on.

That's pretty much everything that I would have tried. Nothing harder to
find than an intermittent noise or problem.

Have you left the vehicle at the dealer overnight, so that they have the
first crack at starting it in the morning? Maybe that way, the noise would
show itself.

--
Brian

http://www.cakesbydarlene.ca

http://www.accesswave.ca/~orion

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

"John Smith" <nospam@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:JN43d.46538$9Y5.45640@fed1read02...
>
> Well, I've taken it to my mechanic -had him check out the belts
> to make sure they were appropriately gel'd. I got new (front) brake
> pads about 6 mo. ago and had them look at the engine again.
>
> Another problem is that this problem occurs when the engine is cold -
> typically in the mornings. By the time I drive up to the shop, the sound
> is gone.
>
> Then there are periods of days when it disappears completely so makes
> me suspicious of what's going on.

That's pretty much everything that I would have tried. Nothing harder to
find than an intermittent noise or problem.

Have you left the vehicle at the dealer overnight, so that they have the
first crack at starting it in the morning? Maybe that way, the noise would
show itself.

--
Brian

http://www.cakesbydarlene.ca

http://www.accesswave.ca/~orion

Re: Screeching sound from engine on 'cold' days
 

In article <wJ43d.46500$9Y5.33440@fed1read02> John Smith
<nospam@nowhere.com> writes:


>That is an interesting possibility because it fits
>the symptoms. How can I confirm this?

Spend $20 and replace the belt (yourself) or spend $80 and have the
dealership do it. Do not spray any belt dressing on it because it's really
sticky and gets all over things and "gloms" up the engine compartment.