C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

[Michael C.]

I recently replaced my old fan belts with Quantas. I have a 69, L36 with A/C and P/S, but the A/C compressor is out at the moment as is the AIR pump. I believe the three remaining belts are properly tensioned and aligned, but there is an annoying noise at idle. This is NOT a "squeal" that might occur when revving the engine nor a PS squeal when turning the wheel. Engine temp doesn't make any difference. It's difficult to describe the sound, but it's not a high frequency period squeak. More like loud white noise. Normal engine noise covers up the belt noise when driving.

Because it was easy to do, I removed the alternator belt to see if the noise went away or diminished. It might have diminished slightly, but not much. I thought I'd check with you guys before removing the PS belt. Of course this method isn't an option for the WP belt.

I found only one post on this topic in this forum. The suggestion was to spray the belt with silicone spray. This sounds counter-productive. A tech-tip on another Vette forum suggested "deglazing" the pulleys by buffing the groove with a Scotch Brite pad.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mike

[Paul J.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

The noise you describe could be common to Quantas belts, but I'm not that familiar with running these belts.

If it's a swishing noise, that is a common sign of failing water pump bearings in GM and Chrysler products (the Ford multi belt systems make this noise all the time, regardless of the condition of the water pump).

It could also be a belt, as you have suspected. You can check for this by removing belts as you have done, or put a small (very small) amount of soap under the belt on the friction side. Liquid hand soap works well for this. This is the precursor to silicon spray, and yes, it is counter productive but it will stop the noise.

[Michael C.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

Paul, I should have stated in the first post that I have a "newly" rebuilt water pump from Bill Mock, so I don't think that's the source. I might try the soap as a diagnostic tool.

Thanks

[Timothy B.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

Michael,

Do all the pulleys run true (no wobble) and do the belts line straight?

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

I have had a squeaking noise from belts after coolant got on them -- as in when flushing a cooling system, or when a hose burst. I have had to go so far as "buffing" the pulleys as you have described and replacing the belts. I am not sure if the coolant glazes the belts and pulleys, or exactly what the mechanism of the issue is, but it is a PITA.

[Steven B.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

All sounds very familiar. I have had coolant soak the belts on my '77 when a hose burst and Terry is right. PITA. As Paul noted soap on a noisy belt works. I used bar soap on my '77 and it worked. As Tim noted about the pulley issue can cause noise. I had a pulley run "untrue" on my '57 and had to replace it. Paul spoke about the water pump---I had that happen with a new pump on my '57. 'Not bad for 49 years worth of problems I guess.

[Michael C.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

No pulley wobble and the belts appear to be aligned, but I'll double check. No coolant leaks. I'll try "buffing" the pulleys if the soap doesn't help.

It's not a loud noise, but I was hoping for something a little quieter after spending a bunch on the Quanta belts.

Thanks all.

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

Go any hardware store and get a stick of "Door Ease". It's a wax like material impregnated with silicones and other lubricating components. Apply to the tapered sides of the v-belts while the engine is running and the noise will stop instantly. This squealing phenomenon appears when the weather gets dry and cold. I have been using this stuff since 1963 when it came in a metal tube. It now comes in a cardboard tube. Good stuff.
Tom

[Michael C.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

Tom,
O'Reilly Auto Parts sells a product called "Door Ease - Stick Lubricant" made by AGS. Is this what you're referring to?

Thanks

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 with Noisey Belt(s)

Tom,
O'Reilly Auto Parts sells a product called "Door Ease - Stick Lubricant" made by AGS. Is this what you're referring to?

Thanks

Mike, that's the stuff. Apply like I said and that annoying grinding/whine will go away. You then will become another convert to "The Stick".

Tom