In article <JZJAc.5549$w07.354@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.n et>,
"Caroline" <caroline10027remove@earthlink.net> wrote:

> When starting my 1991 Civic LX (1.5 liter, manual transmission, no air
> conditioning) for the first time each day, I hear a loud screech. It
lasts about
> two seconds. I then drive as usual with no funny noises. Driving for 20
minutes,
> then stopping (car off) for 20 minutes, and then starting again does not
give me
> the screech.
>
> The screech began after I did some maintenance on the car the other day. This
> maintenance was:
>
> -- Replaced the alternator belt, setting tension correctly (I think) for a new
> belt (7-9 mm).
>
> -- Partly drained the power steering system, removed the power steering
belt and
> pump, and then re-installed all. The old power steering belt looked fine, so I
> did not replace it. Again, I think I set the tension correctly. (I removed the
> belt last week and then re-installed it and did not have this screech.) I
> followed the procedure at http://timingbelt.soben.com/ to purge (I hope) air
> from the power steering system.
>
> -- Removed the timing belt, installed a new front crank seal and a new
camshaft
> seal, then re-installed the old timing belt.
>
> My first guess was that I have somehow messed up either the power steering
> belt's tension or the alternator belt's tension. I have checked both, and they
> seem fine, albeit I'm not using a belt gage. Just pushing in the middle of the
> belt with a finger to the tune of I hope 22 lbs. and then measuring the
> deflection.
>
> Except for this screech at cold startup, the car drives great (so far, after
> some 35 miles).
>
> Any suggestions to diagnose this?

I would guess that it is a slipping belt. I don't know which belt is
slipping. However, you may be able to figure it out by raising the hood
and watching the belts as a friend starts your car. You may get lucky and
actually see or hear which belt is slipping. You should visit a auto parts
store and see if they can sell you a spray that may be called something
like "Belt Spray" or something like that. I know that they sold it several
years ago when I was having a problem with a slipping belt. I don't think
that it is the timing belt. If it was slipping, your car would not be
running so great.

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