1990 RS 305 TBI one serpentine belt drives all components.

Ok, mainly when I start my car in the mornings when the engine is cold, i get a horrific squeal. It squeaks for about 10-12 mins while warming up and then gets more quiet.

Things I have done to fix it, but have not worked are as follows:

1) i've replaced the idler pulley
2)I've replaced the belt
3)I replaced the alternator
4) I know it's not the AC, because it makes a different noise, haha

All of these have not fixed the issue, I have no antifreeze leak either.

My next option is to replace the water pump.

My question is, do you think there is a good chance that it is the water pump?
also..

to replace a water pump, do I have to drain all of the coolant out first?
Q_Q i hope not..

 

Diagnosing Misalignment and Belt Noise

Best way to narrow it down.

 

Before starting, say the night before, externally float charge the battery.
If it squeals, alternator may be under heavy load.
This external charge will keep battery charged for less load on alt - lesser squeal, if any.
Otherwise, spray inside of belt, the ribs, with WD40.

 

So update on my pulley situation.. I replaced the Water Pump yesterday thinking that would solve the issue for the squeaky.. started it up this morning... still squeaks ....

So idler pulley replaced,
Alternator replaced,
Water pump replaced,
new belt, (even sprayed belt conditioner on it)
A/c makes a differnet noise...

all thats left is the power steering and harmonic balancer i believe...
Ive checked the pulleys, none seem to be loose.

 

When the belt was off, did you twirl all the pulleys to see (hear) if any of them are making a noise?

 

Take belt off and squeal gone?
Did you charge battery putting less load on alternator?
Spray belt with WD40.

 

So I have been researching squeak problems and a big one i found "pulley miss-alignment".
I can tell that my a/c,balancer,water pump, idler pulley, are all aligned nicely.

My alternator and power steering pump however, seem slightly not out as far as the rest of the pulleys to complete the even alignment.

I have seen something like a "gator back" serpentine belt and a Delco Poly ribbed belt.

They are supposed to "

• The "W" profile rib has been engineered to conform to slight misalignments, the number one cause for belt noise
• Aramid noise resistant fibers embedded in the rubber make this belt run quieter in worn or misaligned pulleys
• No-Noise Advanced Design EPDM rubber compound for quiet extended life
  "
  
  I'm thinking about trying one...
  It's weird, they give two options, w/ac without a/c.. but both are the same lenght...?
  Belt at AutoZone.com - Best Belt Parts for Cars, Trucks & SUVS

 

I'm thinking about giving it a shot and seeing what happens..

 

Just don't get the cheapo house brand belts. I've used the Goodyear Gatorbacks, but have switched preferences to Dayco since it's made of better and longer lasting materials (EPDM rubber). Can't say how either may cure a squeal noise, as I've never had that problem.

 

I, also, never had a problem with Gatorbacks or Dayco.
WD40 kills squeaks and ants on contact.