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MG MGF Technical - Noisy startup

I get a loud metalic shriek from the right hand side of the engine when I start the car (1996 MGF 1.8). It goes after 3-4 seconds.

Could this be the alternator or the water pump ??

Clive

Hi,
too much slack in the alternator belt does give a horrifying noise on startup. Had this a few weeks ago upon startup for the season. All belts were new on my "F" so was extra sensible for any unknown "features" ;O).
If it is comming from the waterpump it is much more serious... / Carl.
Carl

You can test to see (or should I say hear) if its an external problem or not.
As soon as you start it, have someone spray some water onto the belt and if the noise goes away immediatly, then it most likely is a belt problem. If the noise does not go away immediatly, then it could be an internal bearing somewhere (as Carl said, water pump) or alternator itself.
Maybe the starter motor's solenoid is not releasing quick enough.

Does it happen when you restart it after the engine is warmed up or only when first starting from cold?

Cheers,
Branko
Branko

if you run all the lights (pull the stick to get dip and full) and the fog, and the brake, and the fan on full, and the demister (if fitted) does the noise come back?

If the noise does not then it might be water pump, in which case _SORT IT NOW_, if the pump bearing fails then you are into new engine territory, if the drive belt fails then it's only a few quid.
Will Munns

Thanks for your suggestions. The noise is intermittent and can occur when the engine is hot or cold. It doesn't happen every time.

I will check the tension on the alternator belt first.
Clive

My daughter had something similar, it turned out to be cam belt tensioner. Bang, oh for hindsight, new engine. Get it diagnosed and fixed ASAP.
Ken Waring

I have just had all the brake discs and pads renewed on my 1996 1.8 and also a new exhaust system (standard cat and downpipe and Mike Satur silencer - sounds great!).

I am now getting a similar noise for a few seconds when I start the engine from cold. If I rev the engine it stops immediately, and also it does not make the noise when I start the car with a warm/hot engine.

Could be just coincidence but it didn't make this noise before I had the work done. Would it have been necessary for the garage to remove the alternator belt to fit the brakes or exhaust?

Keith

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2005 and 15/04/2005

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