Occasional squeaking coming from engine when car starts?

Common Car Noises and Their Likely Causes Noise More Details Likely Cause Fixing It Clicking noise while turning Starts faint, gradually becomes more noticeable until very loud Failed outer CV joint (constant velocity joint) due to torn boot (most likely) or old age Replace either the whole axle assembly (recommended) or the outer CV joint Water pump noises Difficult to diagnose because of water pump's location Noise usually caused by damage to the bearings in failed water pump Only cure is replacing it. If possible do it at the same time as a timing belt replacement to cut down on labor costs Squeak or squeal from an engine belt Loud, high-pitched squeak or squeal Belts either need adjustment or replacing If belts only squeak when damp, they probably just need adjustment. If they squeak constantly, they probably need to be replaced Exhaust heat shield noises Rattle that you hear when car is idling Damaged heat shield Replace heat shield

Doesn't sound good Al. Check your engine oil level and make sure it is ok. Could have had a rod bearing seize and fubar the whole engine. Oil puddle under van? Squeaking related but without hearing noise is a tough one. I have heard engines that are on the verge of seizing up to squeak as the bearings seize up and then finally just freeze and seize together. On a lighter note the vans are also prone to having the PCV hose at the back of the intake manifold fall apart and deteriorate. Odd noises have emanated from this sometimes very large vacuum leak that is created. Squeaks, Whistles, etc. If oil was in the hose at time of rupture then oil would have dumped onto the rear exhaust manifold that may have created this smoke from under the hood. You can find more information on this hose at mpvclub. If the engine still cranks over normally but will not start or starts and dies then can rule out the engine damage. The squeaks from this problem are a death call and engine will just not turn over at all.

Often mysterious squeaks are from dry torsion bars bushings. There are two of them mounted to the engine "sub frame." My wife's Ford Focus has this issue as well. It squeaks when driving ove rthe curb onto the driveway. The solution is to unbolt the two hold-down clamps that secure the torsion bar to the subframe then apply soime silicone grease inside the rubber bushing so that the rubber will no longer "grab" when the torsion bar moves.

The best way to identify exactly which accessory or component is making noise is to use a mechanics stethescope with a pointed tip on it. If you do not have access to one, the next best thing is to remove the serpentine belt and feel each individual pulley for binding or play. Also try to spin each pulley fast enough to create the noise.

If you take the belt off and there is no noticeable in/out, up/down, or side to side movement of pulley and there is no noise when rotating, a new belt may be all you need. Make sure you check ALL of the other belt driven components including idler pulleys and belt tensioner pulley. A worn tensioner can squeak also.

9 times outta 10 when moisture is involved it's the serpentine belt. Try belt dressing or just a new belt.

It could be that you are not getting the correct starter. When installing the starter needs to be tight against the block. If the starter makes a high pitch noise when you start the engine you may need to shim the starter.Did any shims fall out when you removed the starter?

shot in the dark but you may want to check your shocks

The squeak you hear is because coolant is leaking onto the belt making it slip and that is the squeak you hear. The reason your heater isn't working is because the coolant is low enough that it isn't able to circulate through the heater core and heat your car. If you are losing a gallon of coolant a week, I would guess you either have a coolant hose with a leak or your water pump is going bad and starting to leak. It could be getting weak which also would cause you to not have heat. I would get it fixed soon before the pump shells out on you and your engine overheats which could cause more damage to the engine.

Good luck

the squeaking sound coming from the engine would very very likely be the serpentine belt, it is probably not properly adjusted but could also be cracking and need replaced, after the belt warms up the belt is more plyable and looses the noise. i would replace it, as for the rough sound i would need more info i.e. exactly where the noise is coming from if it changes when gas is tapped, try putting different conditions that make it worse or better when something is done, this will help detecting the area or problem at hand.