Odd squeal under 1500 rpms

[Katapl]

I'm getting a horrible squeal noise from my engine when I start it. I had assumed it was some wore belts, so I ordered some new ones to be recieved soon. Though, I figured I'd post here to get everyones input on what's going on...

It squeals pretty loud when started, but sometimes after it idles for a while, it stops until I push the clutch in. When I bring it over 1500 rpm, it doesn't make any noise. Also, sometimes after I'm driving and come to a stop, it won't squeal. Then after I take off and have to stop at the next light, it will do it again upon stopping under 1500 rpm at the light.

It's pretty much random when it happens, but it's ALWAYS under 1500 rpm. Sometimes it does it, and sometimes it doesn't.

[Hijacker]

belts only squeal when they're loose. so when you spin your motor up, it's possible that the belt warms up enough to catch and stop squealing.

can you be more specific about where the squeal is coming from? engine bay, trans?

[Katapl]

I just checked, and it definately seems to be from a belt up front. I hope my new belts coming in fix it. Exactly what do I tighten them out to when I'm replacing them?

[alms24sebring]

use the belt tensioner wen replacing it, if it stll squeals it could be the tensioner itself

[RyanAwesome]

tighten the belt until you are just able to turn it 180 degrees

[exode]

if you replace the belts and it still squeeks i'd first check your water pump, and then make sure your a/c is turned off. Both of these can make the car squeek, mine did the same thing with a bad seal in the water pump

[Katapl]

Well guys, as I was making a Taco Bell run earlier.. I had noticed it only squealed when I had been using a lot of power. When I turned off the headlights and CD player, it stopped. So I figured it was the alternator belt.

I got home, took a look at the tensioner, and it was so lose that I'm surprised it didn't fall off. I was able to wiggle it from side to side. I have no idea what was holding it in still. So I tightened it pretty well and took it for a test drive. It didn't squeal anymore. Even with the headlights and CD Player, it didn't make any noise. So, that's the end of that.