On 10/1/97Stephen Jones <sjones@TETONDATA.COM wrote

>With the onset of colder weather here in WY, my van has taken on a new
>ailment.  When I first start the engine and the engine is cold, it will
>idle at about 400 RPMs and a high pitch screech will sound from the
>engine compartment.  If I rev the engine, it stops, and it stops if I
>run the engine for 30-40 seconds.  The noise has been getting
>progressively louder as the temperature gets colder.  I haven't been
>able to get to the engine, before the screeching stops, so I can't
>identify where it is coming from.  Is the low idle related to the
>screech or is the screech related to the low idle?
>
>Any ideas what this problem could be?

Stephen,
     I had a similar problem with the screeching when cold.  I found it to
be a loose altenater belt.  Seem when cold the belt would slip more, either
because of the rubber being stiff or the added altenater output to charge
the battery after cranking a cold engine.  I used a belt dressing and
tightened the belt.  Becareful not to tighten the belt too much, a failed
water pump will result, if the belt is too tight.
    Hope this helps.
Colin Moran
Beebe Ar.
'86 Syncro GL
"The Bronze Brick"
192,000 and still going