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CraigBounder · 04-20-2022, 02:57 PM

2021 F53 chassis with 7.3. Just noticed when first starting up there is a squealing sound like a fan belt. Once it warms up it stops. Anyone else have this? It's going to be hard to get the service person to understand because by the time I drive it there it will be gone. Literally lasts about 5 minutes and seems louder the colder it is outside, but that could just be me.

craigd853 · 04-20-2022, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigBounder

2021 F53 chassis with 7.3. Just noticed when first starting up there is a squealing sound like a fan belt. Once it warms up it stops. Anyone else have this? It's going to be hard to get the service person to understand because by the time I drive it there it will be gone. Literally lasts about 5 minutes and seems louder the colder it is outside, but that could just be me.

Hello Craig, my name is Craig. LOL Could be a couple of things sir, tensiometer is first thought, bad belt is another. Have you owned it since it was new? How many belts are on the front of this particular motor? I know you have the serpentine belt but are there any other belts? This might help in diagnosing your issue. Thanks

dizcom · 04-20-2022, 04:53 PM

You're exactly right. It's one of the belts, serpentine probably, and it's squealing because it's cold. You can try replacing it. Older belts are more prone to the squealing. On your new rig though, that isn't likely to help. Check the tension and make sure it's good, and check any adjustments. You may need to align a pulley here or there if they're adjustable.

TandW · 04-20-2022, 04:54 PM

Check for low level in the coolant recovery tank.

twinboat · 04-20-2022, 05:40 PM

Weak batteries and a cold fan clutch may be contributing to belt slipping.

Do you have lithium house batteries ? They can cause the alternator to work harder.

CraigBounder · 04-21-2022, 10:31 AM

Thanks for the great tips everyone. Thankfully it will be warm this weekend and I can check everything suggested.

BTW - No lithium batteries and I have had the coach since it was new (2022 Bounder on a 2021 chassis).

DeWat · 04-22-2022, 06:30 AM

I'd be equally interested in replies from the new F53 owners. We've had this same thing since bringing ours home new, and while I understand your description, it doesn't sound "exactly" like belt squeal to me. Our 22 Bay Star on the 21 F53 chassis does this and also makes a drone/metal like noise if ew hover the RPMs right at the shift point from 3 to 4 which goes away as soon as the tranny shifts.

TXiceman · 04-22-2022, 08:18 AM

In addition to serpentine belt squeal, check the power steering pump level when cold per the owner's manual procedure.

Ken

TeJay · 04-22-2022, 08:24 AM

Here's a trick I've used many, many times trying to isolate belt noises. This you do after you've checked the belt tension. The serpentine belts almost always have a spring actuated belt tensioner which does not need to be adjusted. Those tensioners can weaken over time but yours's should still be OK but then again it could have weakened based on a defect.

Before you start the engine if your noise happens immediately, using a candle rub it on open areas of the belt. If the noise changes or goes away even temporarily then it's a belt. The candle wax does not adversely effect the rubber belt as it will just wear off over a few minutes. I've use this trick often and never noticed any long term negative effects on any belt(s).

They used to sell a can of belt dressing as well. I seldom if ever used it. A belt if worn won't be helped using belt dressing. It needs to be replaced. The dressing if used will cause the belt noise to go away but candle wax works just as well.