Hey, a couple weeks ago my ra started squeelin when i start her up and shes cold. Also when im drivin even when she is warmed up she does this thing where when i put the clutch in when im moving she almost dies. Drops really low on the rpms and then bounces back up and drops and back up a couple times before she smoothes out. I was wondering if its something to do with the accessory belt and not getting enough power from the alternator or something? Any suggestions are welcome.

 

The squeal is most likely a belt issue. When was the last time you changed the belt? I'd start first with the belt and then move on from there.

 

Accessory belt or a bearing. Change the belt (about $30) and see if that does it. If not, listen in the engine bay with a simple stethoscope at bearing locations (alternator, etc.)

 

Could it also be the belt tentioner? Im gonna do the belt soon. Its pretty cold here though right now. I was just wondering how much the tentioners cost too?

 

It could just be the tensioner. The tensioner will run about $90 - $100. Belt Tensioner. I got mine from O'Reilly when I changed mine. Takes about 20 minues to change.

Pull the belt off and start the car, you'll know in about 2 seconds if it's belt\tensioner related. Just remember that the waterpump is run by that belt, so you shouldn't run the car for an extended period of time, a few seconds is fine.

 

Its the belt.

Mine is doing the same thing right now.

 

Still havent got to the belt. Its been round 5 degrees for a few days. Annoying. By replacing the belt it will fix the idle problem too?

 

Not sure about the idle. Fix the one thing at a time. I remember a thread on here about a bad idle which turned out to be a dirty TB. Do a search.

 

It seems like my gas mileage is a little low too. Once i get the belt on i will look at the tb and some stuff. I know its not my air filter cuz i just changed it a few thousand ago. Could it have anything to do with the catalytic?

 

seafoam it and see if it helps a bit with the idle? assuming its a dirty TB or something... you throwing any codes?

 

Good news! I cleaned the tb cuz it looked dirty. Not horrible dirty. But my idle is now smooth as butter. Idles a tad high but that just coulda been the cold. I looked at the belt and am now wondering if we need a special tool to loosen tighten the tentioner? The bolt was super tight and there is a space above it that a 1/2 inch drive fits in. It is in the solid metal part. Wasnt sure if i just need to break the bolt loose or if it requires a tool.

 

u put a half inch drive in there and turn it counter clock wise to losen the tentioner.
or is it clockwise?... well, its one of em.

you dont need to tighten the belt tension. the tensioner is spring loaded and does it automatically.

 

Ok. I will try to get to that monday probably. The belt doesnt look too bad but i know it can be changed. This morning i was pulling out of the driveway and happened to bump the lock button and it squeeled a tiny bit from that. And how much is that seafoam stuff? I was thinkin since i cleaned the tb and it affected it that much that i migth do that too.

 

If i seafoam can i disconnect my exhaust from in front of the catalytic when i first start it? So it doesnt clog it up? Or will that hurt it not having the back pressure?

 

Are you asking if seafoam will clog up your o2 sensor or Cat?

Seaform will be fine. I am making an assumption here that you will be using Seafoam Motor Treatment, here is the FAQ

Make sure you follow the directions on using the treatment.