97 T+C squeal

It could be a belt problem

in what way?

I've been out in it, oddly its not squealing when its cold, but is when hot. and it is the back side of the engine (the 3.8)

Seems to be very little deflection in the belt (but its hard to do a fully scientific check in the twilight. When the engine is warm (and thus the engine bay) it squeals, but onyl below about 1500rpm.

Either way, thanks for the response Glenn, always nice to have a pro respond

If the belt tensioner is worn it will cause the belt to ride on the edge of the power steering pump pulley and cause a squeal, take a spray bottle and spray the belt with water to see if the noise comes and goes or just gets louder, if so the belt is out of alignment. When the engine is not running pull up on the belt to see if the tensioner go backs into postition or if it is locked up and wont budge at all

Will do - you are a STAR!

Had a good look at it today, Its vibrating a lot at idle, looks like the vibration of the engine is making it slip slightly. When its above

Needs a little tune, should eliminate the vibration, yes? Anyway, we got the van, was a lot cheaper than anything else we were looking at, except a 98 V70, (which had the dodgy engine, but the 3rd row)

over 250 mils today, combination of US highways, interstates, and heavy traffic, shopping in atlanta, carrying 7 people, and all our shopping, still returned 22mpg. So, we're pretyt pleased with it. batteris holding up fine, since i avoid idling (having spent what feels like most my life in London rush-hour traffic, I know better than to ahve it idle too long)

Thankls again for your help though glenn.