Belt making noise? and questions
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Fardal
Belt making noise? and questions
I am a car beginner. I want help diagnosing this problem please so I can describe it to the mechanic a little better, and I have other questions too.
While driving my Honda civic automatic with a recently replaced engine and radiator, I started hearing this weird chirping/flapping noise (not squealing) whenever I stepped on the gas pedal. When the car shifts into higher gears the noise gets louder. There is little or no noise when not stepping on the gas pedal.
1. Is this frayed belt causing the noise? It's not the timing belt, but a belt lower than it. I tried looking in the service manual. Maybe it is the A/C belt? A strip of the top layer of the belt is peeling off and is frayed at the end. How big of a problem is this? Here is a picture:
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2. Should I not accelerate jerkily with a new engine? (50K miles, used Japanese engine) Will it be more likely to break a belt or something? Or would you do the opposite and push the engine as much as possible to bring out any problems while the engine is still under warranty?
3. The engine is still "under warranty" for parts and labor, so I will probably bring it back. Should I ask the mechanic about replacing anything else if I bring my car to him? The invoice of the original engine installation says the following parts have been replaced already: timing belt, thermostat with gasket, water pump, cam seal, crank seal, rear main seal, intake gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter.
4. I am also wondering whether or not the AC stopped working after the engine got replaced, but it has always been weak. It it common for the AC to stop working after engine replacement, and is it easy to do AC work when doing engine work?
5. A youtube video I watched about driving safety recommended glancing at your rear view mirror about every three seconds to be aware of the situation around you. Is this good advice?
6. Someone told me you can position your side mirrors so you don't have to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Is that true and is it good advice?
7. I am thinking about starting to do my own oil changes. Is it safer to use 4 jack stands instead of 2? If I only want to jack one end of the car up, is it still possible / safe to use 4 jack stands ? Is my trunk scissors jack fine to start, or should I get a wal mart jack or a $100+ jack online?
While driving my Honda civic automatic with a recently replaced engine and radiator, I started hearing this weird chirping/flapping noise (not squealing) whenever I stepped on the gas pedal. When the car shifts into higher gears the noise gets louder. There is little or no noise when not stepping on the gas pedal.
1. Is this frayed belt causing the noise? It's not the timing belt, but a belt lower than it. I tried looking in the service manual. Maybe it is the A/C belt? A strip of the top layer of the belt is peeling off and is frayed at the end. How big of a problem is this? Here is a picture:
ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting
2. Should I not accelerate jerkily with a new engine? (50K miles, used Japanese engine) Will it be more likely to break a belt or something? Or would you do the opposite and push the engine as much as possible to bring out any problems while the engine is still under warranty?
3. The engine is still "under warranty" for parts and labor, so I will probably bring it back. Should I ask the mechanic about replacing anything else if I bring my car to him? The invoice of the original engine installation says the following parts have been replaced already: timing belt, thermostat with gasket, water pump, cam seal, crank seal, rear main seal, intake gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter.
4. I am also wondering whether or not the AC stopped working after the engine got replaced, but it has always been weak. It it common for the AC to stop working after engine replacement, and is it easy to do AC work when doing engine work?
5. A youtube video I watched about driving safety recommended glancing at your rear view mirror about every three seconds to be aware of the situation around you. Is this good advice?
6. Someone told me you can position your side mirrors so you don't have to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Is that true and is it good advice?
7. I am thinking about starting to do my own oil changes. Is it safer to use 4 jack stands instead of 2? If I only want to jack one end of the car up, is it still possible / safe to use 4 jack stands ? Is my trunk scissors jack fine to start, or should I get a wal mart jack or a $100+ jack online?
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,417
From: Capital Distric New York
I am a car beginner. I want help diagnosing this problem please so I can describe it to the mechanic a little better, and I have other questions too.
This is a Honda Fit forum, but to simply answer your questions I'll try.
While driving my Honda civic automatic with a recently replaced engine and radiator, I started hearing this weird chirping/flapping noise (not squealing) whenever I stepped on the gas pedal. When the car shifts into higher gears the noise gets louder. There is little or no noise when not stepping on the gas pedal.
1. Is this frayed belt causing the noise? It's not the timing belt, but a belt lower than it. I tried looking in the service manual. Maybe it is the A/C belt? A strip of the top layer of the belt is peeling off and is frayed at the end. How big of a problem is this?
Replace the belt pronto. It is about to fail. Have mechanic check pulley alignment to be sure it isn't causing the problem.
2. Should I not accelerate jerkily with a new engine? (50K miles, used Japanese engine) Will it be more likely to break a belt or something? Or would you do the opposite and push the engine as much as possible to bring out any problems while the engine is still under warranty?
Talk with the service mechanic regarding engine break in procedures. Never try to push the engine to see if there is a problem.
3. The engine is still "under warranty" for parts and labor, so I will probably bring it back. Should I ask the mechanic about replacing anything else if I bring my car to him? The invoice of the original engine installation says the following parts have been replaced already: timing belt, thermostat with gasket, water pump, cam seal, crank seal, rear main seal, intake gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter.
If it isn't broke - don't fix it is a good rule.
4. I am also wondering whether or not the AC stopped working after the engine got replaced, but it has always been weak. It it common for the AC to stop working after engine replacement, and is it easy to do AC work when doing engine work?
AC and engine replacement are two different things. AC needs to be done by a knowledgeable person. The mechanic can advise you. Possibly needs coolant charge.
5. A youtube video I watched about driving safety recommended glancing at your rear view mirror about every three seconds to be aware of the situation around you. Is this good advice?
Yes.
6. Someone told me you can position your side mirrors so you don't have to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Is that true and is it good advice?
Yes.
7. I am thinking about starting to do my own oil changes. Is it safer to use 4 jack stands instead of 2? If I only want to jack one end of the car up, is it still possible / safe to use 4 jack stands ? Is my trunk scissors jack fine to start, or should I get a wal mart jack or a $100+ jack online?
Some use just a few boards laid flat to drive front wheels up on, just to raise enough room to get under the car for oil changes. You don't need much room.
This is a Honda Fit forum, but to simply answer your questions I'll try.
While driving my Honda civic automatic with a recently replaced engine and radiator, I started hearing this weird chirping/flapping noise (not squealing) whenever I stepped on the gas pedal. When the car shifts into higher gears the noise gets louder. There is little or no noise when not stepping on the gas pedal.
1. Is this frayed belt causing the noise? It's not the timing belt, but a belt lower than it. I tried looking in the service manual. Maybe it is the A/C belt? A strip of the top layer of the belt is peeling off and is frayed at the end. How big of a problem is this?
Replace the belt pronto. It is about to fail. Have mechanic check pulley alignment to be sure it isn't causing the problem.
2. Should I not accelerate jerkily with a new engine? (50K miles, used Japanese engine) Will it be more likely to break a belt or something? Or would you do the opposite and push the engine as much as possible to bring out any problems while the engine is still under warranty?
Talk with the service mechanic regarding engine break in procedures. Never try to push the engine to see if there is a problem.
3. The engine is still "under warranty" for parts and labor, so I will probably bring it back. Should I ask the mechanic about replacing anything else if I bring my car to him? The invoice of the original engine installation says the following parts have been replaced already: timing belt, thermostat with gasket, water pump, cam seal, crank seal, rear main seal, intake gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter.
If it isn't broke - don't fix it is a good rule.
4. I am also wondering whether or not the AC stopped working after the engine got replaced, but it has always been weak. It it common for the AC to stop working after engine replacement, and is it easy to do AC work when doing engine work?
AC and engine replacement are two different things. AC needs to be done by a knowledgeable person. The mechanic can advise you. Possibly needs coolant charge.
5. A youtube video I watched about driving safety recommended glancing at your rear view mirror about every three seconds to be aware of the situation around you. Is this good advice?
Yes.
6. Someone told me you can position your side mirrors so you don't have to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Is that true and is it good advice?
Yes.
7. I am thinking about starting to do my own oil changes. Is it safer to use 4 jack stands instead of 2? If I only want to jack one end of the car up, is it still possible / safe to use 4 jack stands ? Is my trunk scissors jack fine to start, or should I get a wal mart jack or a $100+ jack online?
Some use just a few boards laid flat to drive front wheels up on, just to raise enough room to get under the car for oil changes. You don't need much room.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
From: Los Angels
easy fix--but
Just changed belt and idler pulley at 90K-it needed it, because my pulley bearing was shot. Easy to do pretty much. Small hands for the idler pulley bolt needed, but your car sounds a bit bit new for this kind of stuff.
Two or four jack stands doesn't matter. Just be SAFE! When only using two jack stands make sure e-brake is pulled tight and blocks should be put behind the rear wheels. Have fun
If you are planning on doing work on your car regularly I would highly recommend investing in a floor jack it is much faster and easier then using the Jack in your trunk
If you are planning on doing work on your car regularly I would highly recommend investing in a floor jack it is much faster and easier then using the Jack in your trunk
Last edited by Byat71; Aug 10, 2011 at 01:21 PM.
In addition to posted replies:
#6 - Yes, true, you could adjust your side view mirrors BUT there's no substitute to what is a very minor inconvenience (but good driving habit) of looking over your shoulder. It's a small trade off to the consequences of sideswiping someone because you missed your blind spot. Makes it safer for the rest of us on the road.
#7 - 4 jack stands are not necessary to do a simple oil change. Get some ramps. Some posters have had issues driving up the ramps due to the low clearance of the Fit. I use 4 2x4 (2 for ea ramp) one placed on top of the other pushed towards the ramp angle so the ramp-up angle is gradual. Gently drive up then don't forget to chock up your rear tires once your fronts are on the ramp. Set parking brake and car in gear or Park. You should be good to go.
Lastly, here's something might be worth your while reading:
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...ml#post1018811
Stay away from bad beer while changing oil...
#6 - Yes, true, you could adjust your side view mirrors BUT there's no substitute to what is a very minor inconvenience (but good driving habit) of looking over your shoulder. It's a small trade off to the consequences of sideswiping someone because you missed your blind spot. Makes it safer for the rest of us on the road.
#7 - 4 jack stands are not necessary to do a simple oil change. Get some ramps. Some posters have had issues driving up the ramps due to the low clearance of the Fit. I use 4 2x4 (2 for ea ramp) one placed on top of the other pushed towards the ramp angle so the ramp-up angle is gradual. Gently drive up then don't forget to chock up your rear tires once your fronts are on the ramp. Set parking brake and car in gear or Park. You should be good to go.
Lastly, here's something might be worth your while reading:
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...ml#post1018811
Stay away from bad beer while changing oil...
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