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Yikes! Close Call.

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Spasso, Jan 3, 2005.

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  1. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
    The fabulous PNW
    Full Name:
    Han Solo
    #1 Spasso, Jan 3, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I have been hearing a squeeling noise for a few seconds at cold start up that goes away after a few seconds. Every time it happened the GEN light would come on then flash off when the squeel stopped.

    Thinking that I had an alternator bearing seizing up I finally got around to sticking my head in the R/R wheel well to see what I could see.
    First I saw a glazed belt, the one that runs the water pump and alternator.
    I noticed the tension was a little soft too. Then I looked at the alternator pulley and noticed it was VERY close to the cooling pipe that runs down that end of the engine.

    A flashlight and mirror revealed a deep groove cut into the cooling tube by the alternator pulley. I can see where it is very important to position the pipe as far away from the engine as possible without hitting the fuel tank. Unbelievably, no coolant leaks.

    I think I found the squeeling noise.
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  2. Gianluca

    Gianluca Formula Junior

    May 6, 2003
    349
    Centreville, Virgini
    Full Name:
    Gianluca Chegai
    #2 Gianluca, Jan 3, 2005
    Very close call, indeed.

    The same happened to me and, when I checked it with my fingernail, I perforated the pipe. As you can see those pipes are very thin.

    I repaired it with some JB Weld and fiberglass. It has been working fine.
    You may want to "reinforce" yours as well even if is not worn through.

    Good catch!
     
  3. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,288
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #3 Rifledriver, Jan 3, 2005
    328's had a clamp that would help prevent that from happening. While it is quite possible to position that pipe so that it will not rub either the fuel tank or the pulley there is nothing wrong with insulating it with a piece of coolant hose and tie wrapping it to the fuel tank straps.
     
  4. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
    The fabulous PNW
    Full Name:
    Han Solo
    #4 Spasso, Jan 3, 2005
    I am utilizing "All of the Above".
    Glad I caught it before driving season.

    Thanks for the suggestions guys,
    DJ
     
  5. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #5 f355spider, Jan 3, 2005
    Yup, 328's from 1986 to end of 1988 had an issue with the coolant pipe rubbing underneath the air box, wearing a pin hole in the pipe. Starting with 1989 they redesigned something (not sure if it is this clamp Brian speaks of, the airbox or what) to better clear the pipe.

    My 1987 got the pinhole, and was later welded up, and then a protective coolant hose wrapped around it.

    Here's the relevant quote on the changes to the 89 fixing this issue:
    "The air box and inlet tube was changed at serial #78069 which I believe coincides with 89 model year in US." (quote taken from another thread).

    Dave
     
  6. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
    The fabulous PNW
    Full Name:
    Han Solo
    #6 Spasso, Jan 3, 2005
    Thats "SQUEAL":p Duh!
     

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