LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Birds under the hood?

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Old 01-03-2011, 10:57 PM
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Default Birds under the hood?

LOL. Now that I have your attention,

I have a strange sound coming from under the hood of my 95' LT1 Camaro. It's a loud chirping sound that is rpm consistent.

I changed the belt.

I also swapped the belt tensioner from my LT1 Trans Am and the sound WENT AWAY. For a few days. Now its back.

I can't imagine the tensioner is the problem.

When I try to probe the engine compartment listening for the source of the noise, it seems like it's definately not the alternator or the water pump.

Sounds most like its coming from the A/C compressor or the Power Steering pump, from the topside of the engine, the sound is far quieter than underneath. Somehow, I would think that a self-lubricated A/C compressor would have a bearing failure before a power steering pump with a reservoir of lubricant on one side. Maybe that has no effect, who knows.

Anyone ever had either a Power Steering pump failure or A/C compressor noise like this?

The car is mostly stock with 127k on it. It was BONE stock when I got it, and the only engine mods are a hollow cat and a cat back.

I just don't want to throw money in the wrong place. Figured I'd start here.
Old 01-03-2011, 10:59 PM
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could be your alternator squealing from a bad bearing i think my car has that problem take the belt off and spin it by hand see if you can hear it.
Old 01-03-2011, 11:03 PM
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Are you for sure positive the sound is coming from a belt driven accessory? Not sure if you've taken the belt off and started the engine to see if the sound goes away? If so, do that. If the sound remains then it could be a lack of oiling between pushrod and guideplate if so equipped.
Old 01-03-2011, 11:13 PM
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try spraying belt lube on specific parts along the belt and pulleys one by one and try to single out which one is causing the noise.. on my old land cruiser it turned out to be alternator bearing. GL
Old 01-03-2011, 11:49 PM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
Are you for sure positive the sound is coming from a belt driven accessory? Not sure if you've taken the belt off and started the engine to see if the sound goes away? If so, do that. If the sound remains then it could be a lack of oiling between pushrod and guideplate if so equipped.
Good call. (the removal of the belt then start) Plus its free. I'll give it a shot.

Does the LT1 have guideplates stock? I thought it doesn't.
Old 01-03-2011, 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by TheTransporter69
could be your alternator squealing from a bad bearing i think my car has that problem take the belt off and spin it by hand see if you can hear it.

I tried that, but its hard to hand spin something as fast as the motor does.

Also, if it were the alternator I think I'd be able to hear it when I put my head right next to it.

I guess I can try swapping it with my Trans Am to verify that's the problem.
Old 01-03-2011, 11:54 PM
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Originally Posted by SPDEMON
Does the LT1 have guideplates stock? I thought it doesn't.
No. That's why I said if so equipped. I'm not sure of which vehicle you are referring to, either one in your sig or something else...
Old 01-04-2011, 11:26 AM
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air pump
Old 01-04-2011, 12:10 PM
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Before my A/C went out it chirped, Thought it was the alternator first. Until the A/C locked up
Old 01-04-2011, 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by tricked94camaro
air pump
Can't be the air pump. It's electric, and it only comes on when triggered by the computer. This is constant.
Old 01-04-2011, 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by djjab57
Before my A/C went out it chirped, Thought it was the alternator first. Until the A/C locked up
Yeah, it's my girl's car (even though I own it, LOL.) so I don't want her getting stranded.

Sounds like the A/C compressor then.

Thanks.
Old 01-04-2011, 01:53 PM
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If it goes like mine did she will just see smoke pouring from under the hood, scared the $hit out of me. You can try adding some oil to the system
Old 01-04-2011, 02:06 PM
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Did you disconnect the belt like mentioned earlier? If so what were your results?
Old 01-04-2011, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by RamAir95TA
Did you disconnect the belt like mentioned earlier? If so what were your results?
Not yet, haven't had a chance since I've been workin and so has my girl.

Gonna try tonite.



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