I think I may have a problem with my engine.

[1991fordexploder]

Ok it's 13 degrees F outside and i just started my 91 XLT and i could hear a very low almost screeching noise on the front of the engine. What are the possibilities of what it could be? Once my oil pressure topped out where it should be, the noise stopped. What do you think?

 

[solitary ogre]

a belt noise?
altenator bearings?
water pump?
fan bearings?
powerstearing pump?
mice making a run for it?
i hear all of those until it warms up in a few moments.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

Most likely a pulley or the belt.

Check the belt for wear and consider replacing it. It might've just been tight/stuck a little bit because of the cold. I'm not sure how much it would've, but you know how things expand when they heat up and contract when it gets cold, maybe it got a little bit smaller.

But next time you go to do a cold/dead start, have someone else start it, and watch your pulleys to see if any of them don't start turning immediately.

 

[91exploreron37]

X2 and Also if the antifreeze is mostly water then the water pump could have frozen up and the belt was sqealing on the pulley until it freed up.

 

[1991fordexploder]

as far as the belt goes its brand new, its the shorter serpentine W/O A/C, i just put it on a few months ago.

 

[91exploreron37]

Has it done it again since then?

 

[Spdrcer34]

Cold temp squeak? Front of motor? Went away once up to temp?

It's the tensioner or the idler pulley bearing....

Ryan

 

[corkey]

power steering pumps make noises too, but it more of a whining noise,when freezing out,,
i would say belt tensioner,,

 

[Four0Sport]

x2 on the ps whining when its cold out.. hoping thats why mines making a racket and not bc its goin out.

cold weather affects vehicles in strange ways