Squeal/screeching from a '97 Fiat Punto engine

Nov 22, 2006 8 Replies

Hi,



I'm trying to trace a squealing or screeching noise on a '97 Fiat Punto 75 (1.2 engine). I thought it was the drive belt slipping but a squirt of WD40 on the belt had no effect at all. I now suspect it is either the alternator or the water pump but since they are both driven by the same belt its not possible to stop one without stopping the other. The only other clue I have is that the noise usually goes away when the engine is hot.



If it is the water pump do these lubicants you can add to the water really work? Even if they work does the effect last?



Thanks for any info.



John Smith.


Is squirting oil onto something you suspect to be slipping really going to stop it from slipping?

You did WHAT?

The last thing you should let near any belts is a lubricant!

On my T-reg Punto 60s that screeching noise was the waterpump. Followed quickly by a seized pump, stripped cambelt, and blown headgasket and a £460 repair..

Mike P

Technically speaking WD40 is not a lubricant but it does a bloody good job as one until the solvent evaporates off.

I thought it was a penetrating agent ?

Alan, et al,

A quick squirt of WD40 has no detrimental effect on an ordinary drive belt (it's mainly solvent that dries off in seconds, especially with a hot engine), but it does temporarily stop a squealing belt.

Mike's comment makes me think it is most likely to be the water pump so I'm back to my original question 'Do any of the water-pump lubrication additives really work?'.

John

No, but it'll probably stop it from squealing or screeching...

"Matty" wrote in news:w-CdnXA7fKVzS snipped-for-privacy@bt.com:

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