91 240 Whine/Squeal

[Tumbulwead]

Hi there,

First off, just want to say thanks to all for so much good info on this
group. I bought my first Volvo this past year on the basis of a lot of
what was said here, and still am learning from what I read! Hopefully
someone can help with something going on with mine.

Recently, my 240 has started developing something like a cross between
a whine and squeal. I've listened at different areas, and it isn't
coming from any of the belt areas, and the belts themselves look fine,
have proper tension, etc. The noise seems to be coming from what I
call the "guts" in the front, around or maybe under the valves. I've
read what others have said about these types of noises going away after
it warms up. With mine, it's fine while it's cold, and the noise
begins AFTER it warms up. It's also at its worse and idle (or up to
maybe 2500 RPM).

It's an Auto transmission, and the fluid levels look ok as well, and no
leaks from what I can tell. I'm a relative newbie, and am not sure
where to look next, so if anyone has any ideas, they'd sure be
appreciated.

Thanks.

- Kenny

 

[Mike]

Hi there,

First off, just want to say thanks to all for so much good info on this
group. I bought my first Volvo this past year on the basis of a lot of
what was said here, and still am learning from what I read! Hopefully
someone can help with something going on with mine.

Recently, my 240 has started developing something like a cross between
a whine and squeal. I've listened at different areas, and it isn't
coming from any of the belt areas, and the belts themselves look fine,
have proper tension, etc. The noise seems to be coming from what I
call the "guts" in the front, around or maybe under the valves. I've
read what others have said about these types of noises going away after
it warms up. With mine, it's fine while it's cold, and the noise
begins AFTER it warms up. It's also at its worse and idle (or up to
maybe 2500 RPM).

It's an Auto transmission, and the fluid levels look ok as well, and no
leaks from what I can tell. I'm a relative newbie, and am not sure
where to look next, so if anyone has any ideas, they'd sure be
appreciated.

Thanks.

- Kenny

You need to first isolate the noise better.
Get one of those 28 to 24" long funnels that are used to add
transmittion fluid and use it as a stethoscope - put the small
end near your ear and move the large end arond the engine
while it's running. I've been able to isolate the noise down
to identifying the front alternator bearing from the front power
steering bearing...

Mike
91 940 turbo (anybody got an extra owners manual?)
81 240 retired
71 145 broadsided, junked
62 122 girlfriend wrapped it around a tree, she walked away

 

[John Robertson]

Yeah same problem when my sons in the car in the back seat it seems to go
when he does wish it was a joke .COULD be a bearing on the way .A fine water
spray will tell you if its a shiny belt if so rough it up a little as the
pulleys and the belts shine up to a polished finish and slip.

 

[Stewart Hargrave]

Recently, my 240 has started developing something like a cross between
a whine and squeal. I've listened at different areas, and it isn't
coming from any of the belt areas, and the belts themselves look fine,
have proper tension, etc. The noise seems to be coming from what I
call the "guts" in the front, around or maybe under the valves. I've
read what others have said about these types of noises going away after
it warms up. With mine, it's fine while it's cold, and the noise
begins AFTER it warms up. It's also at its worse and idle (or up to
maybe 2500 RPM).

I'd suggest it may be an induction leak. A small one can whistle
persistently, and will possibly be higher pitched and louder when the
throttle closes, so it can seem to be inversly related to engine
speed. It's the sort of thing that can also be affected by engine
temperature.

With the engine warmed up and running, use a squeezy bottle to squirt
water over all the gaskets, joints and unions of the inlet tract
downstream of the throttle, and the injector seats. Listen for the
whistle to stop, or for the engine note to change, or even stall,
while you do it. But avoid getting water over the HT electrics.
--

Stewart Hargrave


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