Chirping at low RPM

[captaindan]

I am no stranger to engines, but have never maintained a marine motor, so I am throwing this out there to see if it is a common maintenance issue.

Engine: Mercruiser 3.0 / Alpha one drive

At low RPMs there is a squeaking/chirping sound coming from the engine compartment. The gets louder as I turn the wheel. It seems to go away as I speed up. Small chance that the engine noise just drowns it out though.

Does anybody know the best way to begin troubleshooting? Or does this sound common?

[987meteor]

Belt squeal? Idler pulley bearing? I would check my belt tension first.

[Cableguy Greg]

I would say a bearing in one of the pulleys. I had a chirping a few weeks ago and I found out the hard way that it was the power steering pump bearing. It seized up and threw the belt while I was up at Shenango. Fortunately it was when I was pulling the boat up on to the trailer at the end of the weekend. Open the engine compartment and try to listen to which pulley it is coming from. That's how I knew it was my power steering pump.

[captaindan]

That makes sense. It sounds almost like a car power steering pump when they go bad.

Here is to hoping it is not a difficult fix.

[captaindan]

Belt squeal? Idler pulley bearing? I would check my belt tension first.

I don't think it is a belt squeal, but I will check them too.

[captaindan]

I don't think it is a belt squeal, but I will check them too.

I am eating crow for breakfast. Bought the engine flush hose mount, took the engine cover off, turned the hose on, and started it up. Belts were flapping like sheets in the wind. Tightened them up and all is well. The alternator belt is a little worn, so I am going to have to replace it, but I am OK for at least the weekend.