Hey all, have been pretty much trouble free for awhile, but I guess it catches back up to you haha Anyways, usually only at night my engine has been squealing VERY BADLY when it's cold. Sounds as if i'm killing an animal or something. I've drenched it in Belt Dressing which solves the problem until the next cold engine startup (at night).

The engine can be super cold but if it's during the day it doesn't squeal. There is an tall octagonal shaped bolt looking thing in front of the alternator (I'll try and get a picture up of it if I can find my SD card reader) that is very very loose. I heard it has something to do with the belt and I know it should to be tight but I'm wondering if it has something to do with that. Might anyone know? Thanks everyone!

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2007 BMW 328XI

A loose belt will squeal. The rule of thumb is about a belt thickness of deflection when you press on a long stretch of belt. More deflection and the belt is too loose.

Are you talking about the bolt that runs a cog on a track on the passenger side of the engine?

Sixto
87 300D

Alright, I went to see how much slack I had in the belt and I can move it up or down about an inch.. which I think is too loose... The bolt I was talking about, found out what it was called! It's the tension adjusting bolt. It's really loose and feels like it's going to fall off. Is this the problem?

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2007 BMW 328XI

Right..

It's too loose.

You'll need to loosen the two bolts ON the alternator (iirc with a 17mm wrench) and AFTER those are loose, you'll tighten the one that you described, until the belt is tight enough..

Snug the bolts ON the alternator back up, and you're done...

AJ RN

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Agnes (the Limo) '84 300SD
Pearl (the Taxi) '81 240D (preparing for the 'afterlife')
Bridgette (baby girl) '82 VW Pickup-- currently getting readied for her rebuilt (overbored) engine.
1 VW 1.6 NA diesel **not installed in vehicle**
Gidget (the bimbo) '87 VW Cabriolet-- the diesel engine it above is eventually going there!

and a BMW Motorcycle. (1998 R1200C)

Did I mention I'm of German Heritage??

Alright cool, Will check it out Thanks!

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2007 BMW 328XI

You found the problem.
My guess as to the reason why more squeeling at night.
A cold Battery has less juice available and the Glow Plugs and Starter will even use up more juice when you try to start on a cold night.
The Alternator now has to charge a Battery that has been drained more than it would have been if your car was started during the day and turning the Alternator his harder causing more loose belt squeal then it would during the warmer daytime temps.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel