Howdy!

Trying to help a friend out with their MR2. Basically, its an engine noise usually just after start up and runs 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Also, it will sometimes occure after the motor has been running for 20 - 60 minutes, and in dusty conditions.

Clutch, transmission has no effect (manual trans). I may be loosing my hearing but it sounds like a screech - belt noise. The two belts I could see were snug. It's a 4A-GE motor, FI, no supercharger/non-turbo. I am thinking its an idler pully, timing belt tensioner noise? (car has about 133 K miles on it). Checked one or two Toyota sites and they seemed to think the noise may be caused by the starter sticking on the flywheel or even the water pump? Any ideas?

The A/C belt shows a top side rub mark on 1/2 of the belt? Can't find anything it may be rubbing on. Underneath the car, there is a plastic guard missing a bolt, but it doesn't come close to the belts. Any Ideas?

Speed

Enjoy the Ride!

 

It could be a bad pulley or belt, but another item to try if the others fail is the harmonic balancer if applicable. I remember this old Dodge had a bad one and it literally ripped the belts apart after running for a while. I couldn't believe it, one of the crazier things I saw when I used to wrench on my car back in high school in the autoshop.

 

I would also check you bearings on all the pully,s.