1997 Geo Prizm belt noise and cutting off

Tiny
USCAMBER3486
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 GEO PRIZM
  • 220,000 MILES
On Friday evening when I crank my car up it started making a squealing noise like a loose belt. I was trying to get home so I drove it. When I slowed down to see if a car was coming it cut off on me. I put the car in park and it crunk right back up. It showed no more signs of problems until today, Monday. I crunk my car up and it started making the noise again like a belt but not as loud this time. I again slowed down to see if a car was coming and it wanted to cut off. I gave the car gas and it took off without cutting off however black smoke came out of the tail pipe. Any ideas on what it could be?
Monday, June 24th, 2013 AT 3:54 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
First, vsually inspect the belts to see if there is any damage.

Was the a/c on when you started the vehicle and heard the noise? If so, start the car again to see if the noise is there, if it is turn the a/c off an see if it has an effect on the noise.

If the noise stops when the a/c is off, suspect a loose a/c belt or a failing a/c compressor clutch.
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Monday, June 24th, 2013 AT 5:26 PM
Tiny
USCAMBER3486
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But what would that have to do with the car wanting to cut off? I have checked my belts and they look fine
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Monday, June 24th, 2013 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
FREEMBA
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If the a/c compressor clutch goes bad it places a hugh strain on the engine as it is trying to turn a part (compressor clucth) which is stuck. If the engine is small enough, this strain usually causes the engine to lose rpm's or stall.
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Wednesday, June 26th, 2013 AT 7:52 AM
Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
In addition to my previous response; you may well have two seperate problems.

If the a/c compressor clutch is OK check the idler pulley and other pulleys for the source of the noise.
Check the tension on the longest length of the belt; there should be no more than one-half to one inch (1.25 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters) of give.

The stalling could also be atributed to a dirty throttle body. It should be cleaner using carb/throttle body cleaner [once the air snorkle is removed].
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Wednesday, June 26th, 2013 AT 8:09 AM

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