Hi Don,

I had the same thing happen to me with my subie 2.2.  The alternator belt
was new, and after a few months started squealing upon start up.

Heard here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8TgmQuwTGk

The solution was tightening the belt.  No more sounds.

Jim
Wilmington, NC

On Thu, Feb 24, 2011 at 1:58 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:

>  Twice in about a month, my engine alternator/water pump belt has squealed
> on start up...ceasing to make the noise after just a slight blip of the
> throttle.   I think this  happened  both times when I've forgotten and left
> on the headlight, then started the van from there.  I could be wrong on
> this
> though.
>
>  This van is inline four powered.  It has a single V-belt driving the
> alternator, the WP...no power accessories at all.   The belt tension seems
> just right and the belt is fairly new and is not contaminated by spilled
> fluids.  The alternator and the Water Pump bearings feel normal...I can
> detect no play or bearing problems.  I'm reluctant to simply add some
> tension to the belt...too tight is hard on the bearings.
>
>  So, is it somehow related to a larger electrical load, due to the
> headlights being left turned on,  that causes this squealing at
> startup?...This morning when this happened it was cool.  I jumped out and
> went round to the pulleys behind the license plate door and confirmed that
> all seemed to be turning normally, even though this squeal was
> happening....Then, a short blip on the throttle and all went quiet.
>
>  I am getting set to take a 1500 mile commute into the back country of the
> west, so I am trying to do my pre-trip stuff.  I have a spare belt and a
> spare water pump...no spare alternator, but this one is rebuilt and has a
> recent Voltage Regulator replacement.   Should I just slightly tighten the
> belt...
>
>  Any opinions?
>
>  Don Hanson
>