1988 244 147K automatic transmission

One of the 240's has developed a new noise.

Perhaps insignificant but I will mention that this started after a three day period of torrental rainfall.

There is a noise that can only be described as SCREECHING at start up. It is not there while cranking but sounds off after releasing the key once the engine is running.

During the wet period it was doing it pretty much at every startup. Now a week later it only does it on cold morning startups. The duration of the sound is a second or less.

I have a feeling it is associated with the starter pinion. Almost as though as the engine speed increases at startup the pinion gear is driven at a faster RPM just prior to disengagement.

Has anyone experienced this before and what did you find to be the problem? Is there some portion of the assembly that I might try to lube or is this just normal wear requiring replacement? Based on my experiences it seems to be relatively low mileage for a needed replacement.

I realize that no matter the cause or the cure I will probably soon be removing the starter and that makes me unhappy....

Randy

I removed the starter and lubed the moving parts. The bushing on the end with the brushes seemed very dry, but otherwise all looked normal.

After reassembly and installation the noise is gone.

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions.

Randy

Had that problem with my '92 240SE. Occasionally, I'd get the most sickening screech when I turn the ignition key. No cranking, just a horrible screech.

My mechanic opened up to check the flywheel. Not sure what the actual problem was. I think it was off centre. He replaced it, and so far, no repeats of the problem.

The wet and cold do sound like belts slipping since the rubber contracts as it warms. Any chance AC is not fully switched off (from running defrost when wet) and extra drag?

The sound may be from your alternator. I had that problem a while back and just switched out the alt (I had a spare).

The cause? I think I read somewhere that if the battery is low (is your battery losing charge overnight?) it causes stress on an alt that may not be in great condition.
--
1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

I checked the belts and the airconditioning belt was in fact in need of tensioning, but that did not change or eliminate the screech.

I also checked the TDC timing mark against the cam mark and it is right on.

I checked around the engine bay with a piece of heater hose as a stethoscope while my helper repeatedly started the car but was unable to isolate the area where the sound originates.

Holding my hand on the starter did not reveal any additional vibration in association with the screech either.

I put it up on jackstands and am seeking the energy to drop the starter and have a peek.

I'll let you know what I find.

Thanks for all your responces.

Randy

Randy:
Sorry, you mentioned "screeching" in the title, my bad. Anyway, the info below still holds true! Its probably a heat shield issue!

If I recall correctly, until this post, you have called it a "squeal", now you are calling it a "screech". Based on the fact that you originally mentioned that the "squeal" was coming from the bell housing area, may I offer a "screech" idea? Check to see if there is a loose heat shield on the head pipe or the pipe leading to the cat, if the tack weld(s) have broken they can "screech" on occasion... a true metal on metal noise! Finally, make sure the heat shields on the exhaust manifold are tight, on rare occasion they can make noise as well.

jorrell

--
92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

I had the same issue, squealing at startup. Thought is was just belt at first.

Drove it that way until..... the water pump bearing froze up one AM drive, tossed both belts, all the warning lights popped on and the temp gauge make a run to the Red. Got it shut down in time and it did not hurt the engine. But a set of hoses, a new water pump, and a donor radiator later. Got her back on the road. You may want to have someone e3se start the car and try to isolate which component is the squealer.

Good Luck,

Paul

Hey Randy,
Have you sighted along the front of your engine to check alignment of all your accessories? Running drive belts too tight results in crushed rubber accessory mounts and thus alternators and PS pumps running crooked. This can cause a squeal too.

If your problem is for just a couple of seconds after startup cold OR warm, it's probably not belts. Glazed belts seem to quiet after they warm up, but it takes a minute or two. Loose belts squeal on a blip of the throttle whether they are cold or warm.

DS

One of the belts may be glazed from slipping. Spray some belt dressing or silicone on them to test.

Volvo starters usually don't go bad that soon.

Now, I can't hear the sound you're describing -- it could well be the starter, anyway. But unless you're sure it's the starter, I would suggest also considering something else first that can also make a screeching sound.

One of the things that come to mind, especially considering the humid conditions you're reporting, is some rubber part slipping. Here's the key, from what you wrote:
"...once the engine is running. During the wet period it was doing it pretty much at every startup. Now a week later it only does it on cold morning startups..."

This makes me think a damp accessory belt (alternator/water pump, A/C, or P/S). Check the tensions on those belts -- there's also a spray to prevent belt slipping. Try spraying the belts and pulley's with it to see if the noise is prevented.

Someone else here also suggested your vibration damper -- it's also partly rubber part, but the belt possibility is easier to check, first.

Are you sure it is not the harmonic balancer slipping? Starter is pretty easy to replace with about 36" of extensions. Dan

While I am fairly sure it is not a drive belt slipping I had not given a thought to the harmonic balancer. I will throw a timing light on it for a quick check. Thanks.

Randy

Get yourself a piece of hose or a tube and see if you can narrow the area producing the noise using this as a stethoscope. If it is indeed coming from the back by the bellhousing, yes, you can remove the starter (yuk) and lube the drive. Don't eliminate the possibility that you've got a belt problem up front. The engine compartment being such an echo chamber as it is, the noise from a screaching belt may seem to be coming from further back.

DS