5.3 issues

[ak diesel driver]

OK guys looking for some suggestions. I've developed a pretty good belt squeal/squeak. Thought it was the alternator because it was seized up slightly when I pulled the engine. It freed up and rolled OK. So when I developed the squeal I first changed the alternator no joy. Then the idler pulley nada. Lubed the bearing on the tensioner still no joy. Put some belt dressing on and it quiets up for a couple of seconds and comes back. Water pump and power steering pump are all that's left and they feel fine. Thoughts?

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

Check belt alignment 1st. Is it a new belt or old one? I know I had problems on mine, and it ended up being the power steering pulley was an 1/8 inch shy of being flush with the shaft. Pressed it on the rest of the way and no more chirp.

 

[ak diesel driver]

Shaft is sticking out about 1/16"+.

 

[ak diesel driver]

Turned out to be the belt. Surprised me because the old one looked so good still not even any checks in it.

 

[Will L.]

I don't blame the belt. I saw how cold it is there right now. Stick me outside in that crap and make me work- I will be squealing too!

Glad you're u got it and it was a cheap fix. I would be tempted to soak that belt in some oil for a month in the corner of the shop, then try it again. But sometimes I can be chea... frugal yeah, frugal.

 

[ak diesel driver]

It was actually 40* above today.

 

[Will L.]

Yeah, but i bet that was your high temp for the day, not the low. We are pretty bad here now actually- low of 37 tonight.
Snow on half the mountains around Vegas - looks nice. Nice and far away...

 

[DieselSlug]

I honestly not had good luck with belt dressings. Used them before to quiet squeals just to come back. I've also ran into issues with the use of cheap belts.

 

[3500GMC]

Dang things ain't cheap. I can understand a guy wanting to make em go as long as possible.

 

[ak diesel driver]

Lol I did save it for a roadside spare.