Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a '82 Merc 898 (305 ci). Have had several problems (as my previous posts would suggest) and here is the latest. I was on the water today and I turned off the engine so one of my friends get back in the boat, and I go to start it up again, and I hear a "screachhh" sound when the engine is cranking. The screach is only for an instant (maybe half a second at most), and then boat starts up and runs just fine... It does not sound like any grinding of the gears, it just sounds like a loud squeak/screach. any ideas what this may be?

Just another thing that the mechanic is going to have to look at this week..

 

[skipdow]

Re: Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

my uneducated guess would be a bad starter. If you can borrow one then see if alls good.
Thats also assuming you checked all the particulars like oil, water , temp etc.

 

[ecriswell]

Re: Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

Loose or worn belt(s). Almost guarenteed.

 

[TahoeQ4Pilot]

Re: Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

Loose or worn belt(s). Almost guarenteed.

That was my first thought, a belt.....

 

[skipdow]

Re: Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

usually belts are when it has started not while it is cranking...unless something has a bad bearing like a sea water pump or an alternator

 

[SSSuper83]

Re: Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

usually belts are when it has started not while it is cranking...unless something has a bad bearing like a sea water pump or an alternator

Not true my friend..a power steering pump pulley will squeal all day from start if its loose..any belt will squeal at start if it's loose...

 

[greg82255]

Re: Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

Thanks everybody for the responses. I hope you are all right and it is just a loose belt. Just to be clear, this problem is only at start, goes away once the motor is running.

I will tighten them all tomorrow and re-post.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

Just an update - the problem was the belts. One was way too lose, causing all kinds of noise. I tightened it and the problem was solved. Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Screaching Sound when I Start the Engine

It was the one on the alternator wasn't it?