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MG MGF Technical - Screeching Noise

When starting the engine from cold, I get a screeching noise from the right hand side of the engine. Is this the belt between the alternator and engine on its way out or something else? The noise disappears as soon as revs are applied to the engine. I have just fitted a K&N 571 and since then when starting the engine seems to grind over for longer than before. Before the K&N was fiteed the engine would start immediatly. Is this symptomatic that the plug leads need changing - I've had magnacor leads in foe about 18 months and roughly 25000 miles.
Would appreciate any advice.
James Forbes Simpson

Sounds like the alt. belt.

It may just be loose, or if it's a few years old may need changing.

K&N and starting? No idea

HTH
Richard P

Screeching could be the alternator belt or I've also heard the water pump can screech on the K Series when it's on it's way out.

If its the belt better to replace it rather than tighten it as that will put strain on the bearings.

Re the K&N did you reset the TPS when you fitted it?

Ignition/ key to position 2 and slowly press and release the accelerator three time then ignition off.

Some say it works some say it doesnt but it doesnt cost anything to try!
Bob Millar

> Ignition/ key to position 2 and slowly press and release the accelerator three time then ignition off.

Sorry should have said 5 times not 3 times!
Bob Millar

Could be the aternator belt lensioner on its way out as well.

Johan
Johan Slagter

There isn't an alt belt tensioner
Will Munns

Thanks for the info. I have bought a new belt to fit and just hope it's not the water pump. Have reset the TPS as suggested by Bob and the engine does start a lot more readily. Thanks
James Forbes Simpson

Hmm. Mine never starts immedieately - consistantly 'chuggachuggavroom' taking about a second. Would this TPS (throttle position switch, at a guess?) reset help?

Jamie
Jamie

Jamie, a TPS reset will never do any harm and may even do some good.
sprinter @home

Must say that I'm very pleased with the way my 96 VVC starts at first turn of the key hot or cold. Decent plug leads and new plugs a year ago been great ever since.
sprinter @home

Fitted the new alternator belt and thankfully have no more screeching when starting up. The old belt did'nt have much longer for this world. I reset the TPS switch and the engine fires straight away. I fitted new plugs not long ago but the magnacor leads are getting on for 18 months and I have noticed a slight hesitation when accelerating away lights etc. probably due the K&N.
James Forbes Simpson

This thread was discussed between 09/03/2004 and 13/03/2004

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