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timstar92404
Joined: 22 Sep 2004
Posts: 2075
Location: richmond BC
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 Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:46 pm Post subject: need help |
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I got a couple of quesitons.
why does my alternator belt sqeek ? I assume its the alternator belt as there is nothing else ......
and it squeeks when the engine rpm is low like at 800-900 and then when i accelerate the squeek gets louder until it gets to like 1200 or so and then it goes away.
also right now I was driving home and I had my high beams, stereo, heater all working together. and it was squeeking pretty loud....
and my battery warning light is always on a bit not fully on but its dimly lit.
before when my belt blew off copletely the light fully came on.
I have tightened my v belt 3 times now. I noticed it gets loose again after a while but it is pretty tight right now and it was squeeking.....
I just tightened it 2 days ago and I heard no squeeks.
could it be too tight also?
it moves about 1.5-2 cm. on the long side.
and my second question........
today after replacing my spark plugs again I drove the car and it seemed to run fine..... (but I smell gasoline from the exhaust....) and it idles low when its cold at 800 rpm and goes up and down.
the problem happened when I left the car for like 30 mins then when I went to start it , iit wouldn't crank..... when I turned the key it the lights etc came on and voltage was ok but it just made a "click" sound .
I tried like 10 times and then waited 5 mins and then iit suddenly started...
this happened like 3 weeks ago also once and I tought it was due to getting water on some electrical component.....
its not the hot start problem as it doesn't make any cranking sounds but just a click when you turn the key....
what is the likely problem
and lastly my fan doesn't come on sometimes.....
this started last week when my car overheated and the fan wouldn't come on and I just played aruond with the relays under the dash and I touched the wires going to the fan motor and it suddenly started.
today again I parked and the fan didn't come on and then I played around with the relays and started the car again and then shut it down and suddenly the fan came on......
should the fan ocme one when the temp needle goes above the white area?
another qeustion I looked at my muffler and there is like black gunk in my exhaust is this normal or is it due to the engine not running right?
sorry so many questions.
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78 924 sold.
85.5 944 |
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Khal
Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 4872
Location: Sunny and lovely interior BC, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: need help |
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| timstar92404 wrote: | Why does my alternator belt squeak? I assume its the alternator belt as there is nothing else ...
It squeaks when the engine rpm is low, like at 800-900rmp, and then when I accelerate the squeak gets louder, until it gets to like 1200rpm or so, and then it goes away. |
From your description, a classic case of the belt being loose and slipping, which causes the squeaking noise.
| timstar92404 wrote: | | Also, I was driving home and I had my high beams, stereo and heater all working together. <The belt> was squeaking pretty loud... |
Unlikely that running high beams, stereo and heater would cause the belt to slip. Probably coincidence.
| timstar92404 wrote: | | And my battery warning light is always on a bit... not fully lit but its dimly lit. |
Yes. If your belt is slipping then the altenator is not being driven properly and so it's not charging the battery properly... so your battery light comes on dimly. It probably fades in and out, right?
| timstar92404 wrote: | | Before, when my belt blew off completely, the light fully came on. |
Yes. The alternator isn't being driven at all, so your battery isn't being charged at all... so your battery light comes on full. Exactly what it's supposed to do.
| timstar92404 wrote: | | I have tightened my V-belt 3 times now. I noticed it gets loose again after a while but it is pretty tight right now and it was squeaking... |
Sounds suspiciously like a weak alternator mount to me. It's gradually sliding and loosening the belt. I can't say why it'd squeak when the belt is tight but I'd suspect the alternator or one or more of the pulleys is out of alignment. tj924 had this problem... kept breaking belts.
| timstar92404 wrote: | I just tightened it 2 days ago and I heard no squeaks.
Could it be too tight?
It moves about 1.5 - 2cm on the long side. |
It's possible that it's too tight. But I don't the spec's on how tight it should be off hand...
| timstar92404 wrote: | And my second question;
Today, after replacing my spark plugs again, I drove the car and it seemed to run fine (but I still smell gasoline from the exhaust). But it idles low when its cold, at 800rpm, and goes up and down. |
Surging idle is a common fault on CIS/Bosch K-Jetronic injected engines. But I don't know the cause/solution. I think it has been dealt with here before... anyone?
| timstar92404 wrote: | When I left the car for, like, 30mins then tried to start it, it wouldn't crank. When I turned the key the lights, etc, came on and voltage was ok but it just made a "click" sound.
I tried, like, 10 times and then waited 5 mins and then it suddenly started...
This happened once, like, 3 weeks ago and I thought it was due to getting water on some electrical component.
It's not the hot start problem as it doesn't make any cranking sounds but just a click when you turn the key.
What is the likely problem? |
Sounds like the same problem I have right now... suspected dud starter solenoid or ignition switch. You can take the solenoid off and clean it and try it again. Might help. But they are components that will eventually wear out, so it mightn't be long before you have to replace them anyway.
| timstar92404 wrote: | And lastly, my fan doesn't come on sometimes.
This started last week, when my car overheated, and the fan wouldn't come on. I just played around with the relays under the dash and touched the wires going to the fan motor and it suddenly started.
Today again I parked and the fan didn't come on. I played around with the relays and started the car again and then shut it down and suddenly the fan came on.
Should the fan come one when the temp needle goes above the white area? |
I believe the fan should come on when the engine just starts to exceed optimal operating temperature. I think this is controlled by a thermo-switch (although I don't know for sure). Sure sounds like you've got a dud relay, though.
Anyone?
| timstar92404 wrote: | Another question;
I looked at my muffler and there is, like, black gunk in my exhaust.
Is this normal or is it due to the engine not running right? |
It's perfectly normal to have some "black gunk" in the tailpipe. Unless it's excessive?
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'80 924 Turbo |
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5150
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
Posts: 767
Location: Blyth, Northumberland, UK
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| Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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What Khal said for all the alternator queries...
Fan is triggered by a thermo switch, it's a brass switch screwed into the radiator (it's on the right if you are facing the car) and has 2 wires connecting to it. I'm not sure but I don't think there is any relay for this under the dash, just a fuse I'd imagine?
Starter could also be crappy wiring down there, mine was shot to hell when we first got the car....
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Mars Red '78 Euro 924 n/a
http://www.cardomain.com/id/5150_uk
Graphite? Grey Metallic '85 (late model) 944 2.5
There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead. |
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Gram
Joined: 08 Feb 2005
Posts: 357
Location: Northland, New Zealand
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| Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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Having your lights, stereo etc on places more of a load on your alternator, which is why it squeaks more when these are on. I had to tighten my belt to about 1cm to stop it squeaking, and it needs adjusting again. Maybe you need new bushes too..
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'82 924 NA Euro (hers)
'98 Audi A4 TDI (ours) |
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Khal
Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 4872
Location: Sunny and lovely interior BC, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:36 pm Post subject: |
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| Gram wrote: | | Having your lights, stereo etc on places more of a load on your alternator, which is why it squeaks more when these are on. |
Really? I stand corrected.
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MALUKIA3
Joined: 13 Dec 2003
Posts: 82
Location: NY
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| Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:49 pm Post subject: |
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Check the bushing on the alt. If the bushings are worn it's difficult to keep the belt in adjustment.
Don
79 n/a |
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crazyinkc
Joined: 10 Nov 2002
Posts: 226
Location: Olathe KS
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| Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:55 pm Post subject: |
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| The fan relay is on the fuse block on the top left corner. Check all wiring for corrosion. Sounds like the connections to the fan are corroded. |
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Ozzie
Joined: 12 Mar 2005
Posts: 4448
Location: Townsville, Qld. Australia
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| Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:02 am Post subject: |
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The rubber mounts for the alternator wear out and the alternator does not sit straight but pulls to one side.
The belt then has to twist a lttle to sit in the pulley causing squeeks and sometimes comes completely off.
Adjusting wont help in this case. Only cure is replacement or redesign the mounts.
If the belt is slipping it will also squeek and the light will be on dim under load. (lights etc).
The crimp lugs on the fan switch can get loose. I have cut off and replaced mine as well as the switch.
The fan switch will always have power via the resistor which bypasses the relay. This ensures the fan will run slowly until it cools down after you turn off the engine.
With the ignition on the fan relay puts full 12v to the fan switch.
My fan does not come on till the needle gets over half way.
Hope this helps
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Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance |
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MunkPuppy
Joined: 02 Jul 2003
Posts: 419
Location: New Westminster, B.C., Canada
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| Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:35 am Post subject: Re: need help |
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Actually, having a high load on the alternator CAN cause the belt to squeak, due to the higher magnetic field created by the alternator to generate adequate current. It is highly unlikely, since the field does not provide THAT much resistance, but if your belt is worn or glazed (due to a lot of squeaking or slippage) it COULD happen due to reduced belt friction. I have to side with Ozzie, though, and feel that the alternator mounting bushings could require replacement.
As for fan connections, it's not always necessary to replace the connector. If it is free of corrosion, it is possible to squeeze the connector LIGHTLY to make a better connection. Squeeze too tight, and you'll make it impossible to get the thing on.
Otherwise, I agree with Khal on the rest.
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'80 931 FOR SALE
"It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful"
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Ozzie
Joined: 12 Mar 2005
Posts: 4448
Location: Townsville, Qld. Australia
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| Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:00 pm Post subject: |
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[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d829b3127cce927f55b95e0c00000016108AbNGrFy1ZuL[/img]
If this works here is a pic of my alternator bracket (lower).
Stuff it - go here
http://community.webshots.com/user/jaynar57
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Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance |
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tj924
Joined: 15 Jul 2004
Posts: 957
Location: Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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| Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:09 pm Post subject: |
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| Ozzie wrote: | | ...here is a pic of my alternator bracket (lower)... |
I think the bracket is broken. Helpful ain't I 
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TJ
Silver '82 924 NA 5-Speed Manual |
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Ozzie
Joined: 12 Mar 2005
Posts: 4448
Location: Townsville, Qld. Australia
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| Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:57 pm Post subject: |
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Very astute.
Ta mate
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Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance |
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Khal
Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 4872
Location: Sunny and lovely interior BC, Canada
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| Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:31 pm Post subject: |
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I thought I'd post this one for you timstar92404. This is why you need ramps...
Makes life real easy 
Check out my starter solenoid thread for an update on what I've done. Might help you out. Read Smoothies posts and check out his links to other threads and pics. Very, very good.
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'80 924 Turbo |
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timstar92404
Joined: 22 Sep 2004
Posts: 2075
Location: richmond BC
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| Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 6:38 am Post subject: |
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thanks khal I was thinking of buying ramps like yours instead of jack stands.
as i've never put a car on stands and I don't really want to do it on my own without someone shoeing if I'm doing it properly....
ramps look much easier you just drive on top and they should be safe.
do you lock your rear wheels, not sure how a rear wheel lock looks like.
I can go ask at a place like canadian tire.
and yes a ramp would make everything much easier.
its pretty much impossible to get under the car without lifting it.
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78 924 sold.
85.5 944 |
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timstar92404
Joined: 22 Sep 2004
Posts: 2075
Location: richmond BC
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| Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 6:45 am Post subject: |
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the previous owner gave me a whole bunch of shit including a bunch of relays but I haven't looked yet to see which ones.
and I have no idea if he had already changed the relays and kept the old ones because he also gave me the old cap and rotor etc. all thrown in a box.
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85.5 944 |
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