Serpentine belt from hell
#1
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Serpentine belt from hell
During the time I've owned the "MtnGoat" belt squeek has been an ongoing problem. No matter what brand is used the same scenario plays out. Runs quiet for about a year. At the first winter rains morning starts are accompanied with a slight squeeking. Its like one small part of the belt causes slippage. Not a continuous squeeking. Once the noise starts I have generally two months left until the radio can't mask the underhood distraction.
So this week the belt was replaced. Then another problem cropped up when attempting to start the engine. No start. I checked all the wiring around the ECM and TB for connection, chaffing or breakage. Nothing. Afew more failed start attempts and then I held the throttle wide open and she finally coughed and started running. Poorly Id say.. The following day she ran sluggish and throttle response was lagging and needed to be held wide open to start. The strong smell of a rich mixture was noteable. Then as quickly as this problem started, it ended and the engine is running just fine.......
92 Laredo stock 190k
So this week the belt was replaced. Then another problem cropped up when attempting to start the engine. No start. I checked all the wiring around the ECM and TB for connection, chaffing or breakage. Nothing. Afew more failed start attempts and then I held the throttle wide open and she finally coughed and started running. Poorly Id say.. The following day she ran sluggish and throttle response was lagging and needed to be held wide open to start. The strong smell of a rich mixture was noteable. Then as quickly as this problem started, it ended and the engine is running just fine.......
92 Laredo stock 190k
#2
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
See if the hose to the MAP sensor is messed up.
#3
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Have you tried the "gatorback" style belt? Formerly Goodyear and now Continental elite. I always had squeaking squealing etc and the gatorbacks have always cured the problem.
#5
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Thanks I'll get FP number and check the MAP connections.
And yes I have tried a gatorback, that didn't last a year.
Not to ding a brand name, they all have failed before the cheapest belt was at half life.
And yes I have tried a gatorback, that didn't last a year.
Not to ding a brand name, they all have failed before the cheapest belt was at half life.
#6
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Is your harmonic balancer separating or do you have a pulley out of alignment?
#7
CF Veteran
Just from my own experience.
With the engine running and squeaking take a pump sprayer full of water and wet the outside of the belt notice if the sound goes away. Then spray the inside surface and observe if the sound goes away. If wetting the inside makes the squeal stop take it off and take a good look in between the ribs. Bend it back to expose the ribs better if you have too. If you see little bits of shiny bits hidden in the ribs you can clean them out with a pick. Clean all pulley grooves as well. Put the cleaned belt back on and try to get it to squeak.
(.02)
With the engine running and squeaking take a pump sprayer full of water and wet the outside of the belt notice if the sound goes away. Then spray the inside surface and observe if the sound goes away. If wetting the inside makes the squeal stop take it off and take a good look in between the ribs. Bend it back to expose the ribs better if you have too. If you see little bits of shiny bits hidden in the ribs you can clean them out with a pick. Clean all pulley grooves as well. Put the cleaned belt back on and try to get it to squeak.
(.02)
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