Hi, All,

This one's puzzling me. My 86 240 DL sometimes, when first started, kicks up this squealing or chirping sound, as if a belt is loose, but it slows down and dies when I push in the clutch. And then it returns when I re-engage the clutch. Usually it goes away after the car has been driving for awhile and is obviously warmed up.

Sounds like a belt. But why would a belt stop squealing when the clutch is disengaged?

I do know that the ac is shot and not functioning. But that still doesn't make any sense. And I don't sense any obvious slipping of the clutch, but my model has no tach, so it's not like I can watch the tach and speedo at same time, I can only gauge by feel.

Any thoughts? Thanks so much for you kind help.

Doug in Portland

Doug,
Some models don't have a return spring fitted to pull back the clutch bearing yoke and the bearing itself from rubbing continuously on the clutch spring. This can cause fast bearing wear, and nasty wear on the spring fingers. A return spring is recommended by at least me, and I've seen this mentioned elsewhere too by other DIYers. The squeal is prob. a bearing getting stiff and slipping on the fingers, sorry but 4+hrs labour to change the bearing and other stuff as needed typ. Concentric hydraulic throwouts are just plain nasty, IMO. I would avoid it where possible, even if it meant a new bellhousing, because every throwout problem with them requires dropping the box, another 4 hrs work, in and out.

Hey, thanks, Manxman,

sounds very unfun. Oh, well. At least I know what has to happen next, sorta. I believe I'll turn to my trusty (fairly) mechanic for this problem since I've never messed with clutches myself.

Thanks so much,

Doug

the worst part is the dirt & the access to the bolts, then its great size and weight. The job takes time and is annoying. ALWAYS replace the throwout bearing every time you drop a box, it's not worth saving a few dollars just to have to repeat the exercise because the bearing fails sooner than the rest of it. Traditionally, clutch jobs on most things tend to be 4 hrs work- hence my estimation. there is always the need for a propper clutch aligning tool, or very good eyesight, because if you assemble the clutch with the disc off-center, then the box is almost impossible to mate up with the motor. On some cars I've had, you could NOT install the 'box without unbolting the motor mounts and sliding the motor forwards. I do not work on any car without a manual to tell me how to do the job. It saves so much time and heartache to have one.