Squeaking coming from engine - What is it?

oshensurfer

Last week, we were out on the river and I had some squeaking coming from my engine 350 MPI Merc - V drive. I couldn't pin point it. I only have two ideas as to what it could be. It was squeaking right after re-starting and was doing it both at idle when it was in gear at low RPM's. These are the two things I was thinking it could be and the reasons...

1) Belt squeaking - b/c it got emersed in water once along with the water pump and half the alternator in a plug incident. Rolling Eyes

2) Shaft packing - happened to my buddy... Question

I'm leaning towards #1. Anyone else have any ideas?

MrBlean · Posted: Aug 20, 2004 7:49 am Post subject:

Does it stop squeking after a minute or two?

If so, is almost certainly #1 'cos your alternator is trying to recharge the battery after starting and hence is difficult to turn. That extra resistance make the belt slip and squeal.

If so, tighten the belt, simple as that.

oshensurfer · Posted: Aug 20, 2004 8:25 am Post subject:

Thanks. I'm going to tighten it just to be sure, but what I don't get is that it's not like a squeal like you'd hear in a car on the street. It's more like a mouse (whispering) version of that. It stops sqeaking after I turn the boat off and re-start.

Jeff,
Did you ever decide on a new tower?

Vargus · Posted: Aug 20, 2004 8:39 am Post subject:

Could be your idler pully. The bearings might have gone bad.

MrBlean · Posted: Aug 20, 2004 8:51 am Post subject:

oshensurfer · Posted: Aug 20, 2004 10:54 am Post subject:

Vargus,
Idler pulley? Never heard of it. Can you please elaborate?

MrBlean,

Good luck.. Look forward to it.

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

oshensurfer, the idler pulley is basically there to either route the belt or he could be referring to the belt tensioner - either way it is basically a pulley that just sits there and doesn't turn an alternator or power steering pump.

Vargus · Posted: Aug 20, 2004 12:17 pm Post subject:

Woops sorry about that, dont know what I was thinking, but yea the belt tensioner.

oshensurfer · Posted: Aug 20, 2004 12:29 pm Post subject:

Got it. Know what that is.. Never heard the term "idler pulley" before. Thanks guys.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

oshensurfer, sorry to hijack but how have you been? Are you taking the boat out this weekend? Very Happy

MrBlean · Posted: Aug 21, 2004 10:43 pm Post subject:

oshensurfer - Re-reading your post I just had another thought.....

If your alternator got half immersed it could be a squeal from the bearing(s) therein. Try a squirt of WD40. Will take 2 mins and is worth a try.

Also, does it not happen in neutral? If not, then the likelihood is the source is from the tranny onward - possibly shaft packing as you describe but I've not experienced that myself.

Whatever it is, I hope you locate and cure it.

D-GOOSE · Addict Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 750 City: Antelope

I have to agree with the idler pulley idea or if its a older boat then maybe an alt bearing. Just as Mrblean said spay wd 40 at the bearing if it go's away then replace it. Good to go. Laughing

D-GOOSE · Addict Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 750 City: Antelope

oshensurfer Were you at the river Sat. I think I seen your boat. I was there all day. It was packed with tons of partys. I had no driver so wb for me. Sad

oshensurfer · Posted: Aug 24, 2004 1:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks again gents.

I'm going to try the WD40 deal on both the tensioner and the alternator.. I didn't get a chance to go out this weekend. The outlaws were in town.

Nor*Cal,
What's up dude? Welcome back to Cali. I'll call ya later. We will be going out this weekend.

Mr Blean,
The engine does it when idling also, which is why I'm not leaning toward the shaft packing.... It's just not a loud squeal like a belt, but I'm thinking alternator and/or pulley.....

MrBlean · Posted: Aug 24, 2004 10:39 pm Post subject:

It's one of those 10,000 mice you have running around in that little treadwheel in order to power your boat who's complaining that you don't feed 'em enough Wink