E34M50 making an awful sound

[semiretired]

My 91 is making an awful sound on start up. I can't determine if it's the water pump or just the accessory belt. After the car warms up, I don't hear it except when I stop at a traffic light, and then it's just a little chirping sound.

Coolant level is OK. And the temp gauge is right at 12:00 after warmup.

I replaced the thermostat a few months ago and noted the sound. At the time, I thought I splashed some coolant onto the belt/pulley...OR...the water pump was cavitating. But it went away after bleeding the radiator.

Any ideas out there?

[GoldenOne]

i have that same sound if let it sit for more then a day...I think its water pump related...

[trumpetr]

My 91 is making an awful sound on start up. I can't determine if it's the water pump or just the accessory belt. After the car warms up, I don't hear it except when I stop at a traffic light, and then it's just a little chirping sound.

Coolant level is OK. And the temp gauge is right at 12:00 after warmup.

I replaced the thermostat a few months ago and noted the sound. At the time, I thought I splashed some coolant onto the belt/pulley...OR...the water pump was cavitating. But it went away after bleeding the radiator.

Any ideas out there?

My 95 has the same squall on start up, mostly on colder mornings- I think I have it narrowed down to the tensioner pully- I put a stethoscope on the water pump housing, and the sound isnt coming from there.

I agree, its a nasty sound.

[Dave M]

Agree.

My 91 M50 has the same squeel at the tensioner pulley. Spray a bit of WD40 on each side of the pulley (with the engine running if you dare) and see if it goes away. If not, try a few more accessory pulley bearings. I found mine in 5 minutes this way.

Dave M

[semiretired]

Agree.

My 91 M50 has the same squeel at the tensioner pulley. Spray a bit of WD40 on each side of the pulley (with the engine running if you dare) and see if it goes away. If not, try a few more accessory pulley bearings. I found mine in 5 minutes this way.

Dave M

Thanks! I'll try that tonight.