1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Belt Squeal Over 4k RPM

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Old 02-15-15, 09:48 AM
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Belt Squeal Over 4k RPM

I've had this for a while. The belt is good, no cracks and not really dry. I just have the drive belt that runs the alternator, eccentric shaft and water pump. The tension isn't loose or too tight either, pretty common sense question but should I just replace the belt and see if it goes away? As soon as I go over 4k it's just a constant squeal any higher I go.
Old 02-15-15, 10:48 AM
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Waffles - hmmm good

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Pretty common problem, lot of folks put a dual sheave pulley on the alternator and run dual
belts.
Old 02-15-15, 10:56 AM
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Resist the urge to over tighten. Excessive tension is not good for your front eccentric shaft bearing.

I suggest the double pulley.

Or if you want to be really cool, get, or imitate, the Pineapple Racing side alternator mount. It moves the alternator to the left side of the engine, solves the problem AND cleans up the engine compartment. I have always wanted one.
Old 02-15-15, 01:02 PM
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I would look at the clutch fan first. It sounds like it might be stiffer than it should be. I'd start looking for a replacement. Then I'd do a dual sheave pulley because dual belts are the way to go if you're keeping the clutch fan. For electric fans, I wouldn't bother. I wouldn't relocate the alternator either. Lots of work for not much gain. I also wouldn't do the yoohoo belt anymore. I used to think they were cool but that time has passed.
Old 02-15-15, 01:37 PM
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best $50~60 upgrade is getting the double sheave pulley for your alternator

yo, what is this side alternator mount, can't for the life of me google it.
Sounds cool as hell ( I assume it goes where the p-steering was)

I went through 2 or 3 belts before scuffing away my old pulley and ordering this.
Old 02-15-15, 01:53 PM
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The dual belt is supposed to help eliminate the slipping of the single belt, correct? Would the potential slipping cause the squeal above 4,000RPM?

Just asking because I'm curious.
Old 02-15-15, 02:01 PM
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A squeal above 4k sopunds like a dying clutch fan. They aren't supposed to be THAT stuff. They also aren't supposed to be too loose. But a little squeal at high RPM from a single belt and a healthy fan that is warmed up is somewhat common. So it's hard to tell, but what the OP says is making me believe the fan's clutch is to blame.
Old 02-15-15, 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff20B
A squeal above 4k sopunds like a dying clutch fan. They aren't supposed to be THAT stuff. They also aren't supposed to be too loose. But a little squeal at high RPM from a single belt and a healthy fan that is warmed up is somewhat common. So it's hard to tell, but what the OP says is making me believe the fan's clutch is to blame.
Oh alright, I understand. Not to hijack - but there isn't a way to run dual belts when running the A/C is there? I'm planning on keeping the A/C in my current build, just curious.
Old 02-15-15, 05:21 PM
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There is a way. You just swap on a dual sheave pulley to the alt. Don't relocate the alt. No problem.
Old 02-15-15, 11:55 PM
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My guess by experiance... 80% sure its the fan clutch, 20% water pump. It will squeal without a dual sleeve pulley only if the air pump is removed.
Old 02-16-15, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by NCross
My guess by experiance... 80% sure its the fan clutch, 20% water pump. It will squeal without a dual sleeve pulley only if the air pump is removed.
My fan clutch should be good, it's not seized and it has pretty normal resistance to spin the fan when the engine is off, and $263 for a fan clutch is a investment lol
Old 02-16-15, 10:59 AM
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I have a rotary addiction

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Take it off the car. Sit it outside (Its 15* here in TN right now), then take a heat gun or blow dryer to it while spinning and see if the resistance changes. The fluid inside heats up and becomes loose. If it checks ok, then I would suspect the water pump. Check the weep hole for leaks, remove the belt and spin the WP pulley checking resistance. If that checks ok, then... the problem must be a crappy quality belt. Get a dual sleeve and two OEM belts from Mazdatrix.
Old 02-16-15, 11:31 AM
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Just snapped those pictures. The previous owner took the ac and accessories off if that helps any. And I'll have to do what you said about the fan clutch sometime this week in a garage its 7 degrees here we had -35 wind chill and still the rx7 has no problems starting up haha
Attached Thumbnails Belt Squeal Over 4k RPM-image-1356574926.jpg   Belt Squeal Over 4k RPM-image-2843781127.jpg  
Old 02-16-15, 11:43 AM
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I don't know if that's how the belt should be how it is but I feel like it's slipping off that drive belt where it touches the water pump pulley.
Old 02-16-15, 04:29 PM
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This is what you need.
Attached Thumbnails Belt Squeal Over 4k RPM-20150216_162813.jpg  
Old 02-16-15, 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by NCross
This is what you need.
I was looking at the price of doing that. I'll try a yoohoo belt first, and if that fixes it I save money and it's fixed, but if not I'll have to resort to that.
Old 02-16-15, 05:24 PM
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http://atkinsrotary.com/store/Atkins...ulley-Kit.html

Any thoughts on this conversion?
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