Squealing sound coming from engine...

[meme93148]

I recently bought a 1990 240SX, and I've been doing minor work on it to take care of an rough idle/stalling issue. I've replaced the fuel pump, gas tank(due to leaking), fuel filter, and spark-plugs after I figured out that it was misfiring. It still idles around 1500-2000 rpm. I was getting ready to adjust the idle speed, and as soon as I leaned over the engine bay, the engine released an extremely loud squeal like metal scraping metal or nails on a chalkboard. I immediately cut off the engine, and I don't want to cause any damage to my car. It has not made this sound before, and I was wondering what it could be and how to fix it.

All help is appreciated. Please and thank you.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

We'll probably need a video or something. Was the low oil pressure light on? If you pull your oil dipstick, does it look normal? If these are ok, you should be able to start the car back up for a short period of time.
It could be something as simple as a loose belt.

[txchamps]

You seem too knowledgable for me to suggest it might be a drive belt, but ... it might be a drive belt. Another thing that comes to mind is the water pump. Happened to me years ago on an old El Camino. Sounded similar. Or maybe a bad alternator bearing?

Hopefully we can get some of the really good guys to chime in on this.

Good luck!

[txchamps]

We'll probably need a video or something. Was the low oil pressure light on? If you pull your oil dipstick, does it look normal? If these are ok, you should be able to start the car back up for a short period of time.
It could be something as simple as a loose belt.

^Like I said, one of the realy good guys.

[meme93148]

My oil levels are normal, so I started it up. Every thing was pretty much the same, except that I still haven't fixed my high idle, its higher now but more stable.I couldn't replicate the sound for my camera, but it sounded very similar to this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDfo96W7OVw (not my car) . At the time, my AC was on full blast and there were no smells afterwards. Also the my car had been running for almost 15 minutes in my garage, and it was 80 degrees outside.

[meme93148]

I figure it might be the same problem...

[PapaSmurf2k3]

oh man that sounds horrid haha. Yeah, probably just a bearing. Try turning your AC on. Check the belt tensions (with the engine off, duh). See if one is way more loose than the others. When was the last time you got the belts changed?