Screeching when I press on accelerator?

[lindajane]

Hi,
I have an 83 300D. It has rather randomly begun making a very loud screeching noise whenever i apply pressure of any kind on the gas. If I'm just driving with my foot off, it's fine. I drove it yesterday and It was quiet when I applied gas, But today, every time I hit the accelerator, it make a loud screeching...people on the street was looking at me like i was nuts.
What could cause this? It drives fine, other than this horrible noise. I'm sure it will happen again.
Thanks

[Scruffyguy1981]

How are all of your belts? Any leakage from your water pump? How's your A/C pulley----they seize too.

[JEBalles]

Yeah, look at the belts, that's the most common thing that squeals.

[Biodiesel300TD]

I'd put a hundred dollar bill down that one of your belts is loose.

[lindajane]

Thanks much,
I don't work on my car except to add oil...So if I open the hood, can I see the belts and tell if they are loose?...If so, could i find out the part number, get it and replace myself?
linda

[Scruffyguy1981]

Originally Posted by lindajane

Thanks much,
I don't work on my car except to add oil...So if I open the hood, can I see the belts and tell if they are loose?...If so, could i find out the part number, get it and replace myself?
linda

Push on the belts with your fingers--you'll be able to tell if there's too much deflection. They can be tightened pretty easily--the power steering and A/C are more difficult than the alternator but still pretty easy. How old / many miles do the belts have? If you aren't sure and want a second opinion from another set of eyes post some pictures. The people on this forum would be happy to help out, it's a great bunch.

[layback40]

Linda,
I think it explains in the owners book how to check them, they probably dont need replacing, just adjusting. Its up to you if you wish to try & do the job yourself. Its a 15 minute job for a person handy with cars, most 18 year olds that play with cars know how to do it. You need to be careful not to over tighten them as it can cause failures.

[lindajane]

I'll look and see if it makes sense to me...I assume I can see the belts when i open the hood? If they are loose and I don't want to try and repair, would it be bad to drive the car until I get it to my mechanic?
Thanks

[Aquaticedge]

spinning your Tires? does it do it when you feather the pedal to accelerate?
What car?

[79Mercy]

check belts.

Why did you make another thread?

[lindajane]

I've got a 300D 1983...and if i even touch the gas pedal lightly it makes the screeching sound...

[layback40]

Just go easy on the gas!
I once ran for a few thousand miles with a slipping fan belt while waiting in a replacement as old one had already stretched to the limit.
If they slip enough they could break and then need replacing.
Keep you eye on the ignition light & the temp gauge, if the belts break the light will come on & the car will get hot quickly.
If they break, you would need to stop the car right away & get it towed.

If you are using a lot of electrical stuff on the car it will make it worse, e.g. heater fan, radio, lights. Avoid their use until its fixed.

Good Luck!

[layback40]

Linda,
you can close the thread & so stop the comments.

[Junkman]

Originally Posted by lindajane

I'll look and see if it makes sense to me...I assume I can see the belts when i open the hood? If they are loose and I don't want to try and repair, would it be bad to drive the car until I get it to my mechanic?
Thanks

Depends on how long it takes you to get to the mechanic. Belt slipping will cause wear & could cause the belt to break. Belts are slipping every time you hear the screech.

[layback40]

Excellent attachment Junkman !!
"all you ever wanted to know about fan belts but were to afraid to ask"