Caroline 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?
>
=================

Same happened to me after I did my timing belt. I just had to tighten
one of them tighter. Try starting up with the heater fan, headlights,
cigarette lighter, rear defrost, radio, wipers ON. If it's any worse,
you'll know it's the alternator one. Simple.

Those belts have to be pretty tight. :-)

You can also squirt a fine mist of water at the suspect belt and see
which slips. Harder trick than other. Gets face wet.

'Curly'