The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Help with Serpentine belt noise

When building my 49S10 with 350V8 I added a serpentine belt drive from an 89 Caprice. Recently, after changing out the AC compressor I have developed a belt squeaking noise. I did notice it occassionally before changing the compressor but it is all the time now. I can treat it with belt dressing and it will go away....for awhile and then starts up again. I have checked the alt., ps, water pump, and ac compressor and all are rotating freely. I even changed the belt tensioner pulley but to no avail.
The tensioner seems to have plenty of resistance on it. I also noticed some fine rubber shavings but cannot find anywhere that seems to have interference with the belt. Any ideas on what might be causing this? Thanks.

I would say it's the aftermarket belt. When the cheaper belts run their backs against a smooth pulley, they get buffed and glazed. When they "walk" across the pulley after they get glazed, they make that noise. I try to use factory belts or the pricier aftermarket belts without much printing on the smooth side. Belt dressing is just a temporary diagnostic tool, it won't cure belt noise.
Just my 2 cents worth,
Scott

Thanks 48bigtrucks-

I have replaced the original belt with a Gates belt but maybe I need a better one. The only smooth pulleys on this set up are the tensioner pully (new) and the water pump pulley. Would it make sense to lightly scuff the surface of the water pump pulley to see if it will "grab" better? Just fishing for ideas here.

I had the same thing happen on mine (86 C20 w454), I was getting the fine rubber shavings also and the squeaking noise was driving me crazy I changed the tensioner pulley and it still squeaked, What I finally did was change the belt to a 1" smaller belt and it went away completely ! no more squeaking or rubber shavings ?? I don't know why BUT its been over 7 months and I drive it everyday and still no problems.

I also installed a serpentine set up on my 51 and ran the smaller belt... so far no problems

Its worth a try

Good luck bro.
Todd

you can scuff sand the back of the belt while its running (mind the fingers + tie ) that will usually fix the problem.
Also check belt and pulley alignment-will make noise
if as little as 1/4" out of alignment.