Hey, I'm wondering if any of ya'll can help me diagnose a problem.

Whenever I start my car I hear a loud metallic squeal for a few seconds as the engine turns over. It is also accompanied by a feeling in the clutch that mimics the squeal. At first it only happened upon cold starts whenever it was really cold outside and the engine was cold. But now it happens whenever I start the car whether the engine is cold or hot.

I'm tempted to think it is a problem with the clutch because of the feedback I feel in the clutch upon start. Maybe a clutch bearing, but I'm wondering if any of ya'll can help me narrow it down so I can better diagnose the problem.

Could the car be low on clutch fluid, as well? Is that something that should be replaced over time?

The car shifts very smoothly though, and there are no problems with the clutch while driving at all, just the initial squeal upon start up. Also if it's not the clutch, what else could it be?

**EDIT** BTW it's a 1992 5 speed SC300

 

Could be the harmonic balancer which the rubber gets old and seperates and causes a loud squeal usually on start up.

They are notorious for this.

 

what clutch you running could be crank walk ..baad news

 

probably not crankwalk on a stock car. I agree it sounds like the accessory belt area. check the harmonic balancer, belt tensioner, and the belt itself for wear.

 

why asked what clutch wasnt sure if he was stok or moded.
if stock i agree check , what you said

 

Oh thanks guy, I never thought to check that, I'll have plenty of time this thanksgiving break, so I'll see if I can take care of that if thats the problem.

And yes, it's the stock clutch and tranny.

 

Yup! I had this same problem. It turned out to be a harmonic balancer about to fall off.

 

Lol, having a lot more trouble finding the harmonic balancer than I thought I would. Is it okay for me to drive on it another 300 miles to get back home? If I order anything online It won't get here before I leave to go home.

Anyways, just asking if it's cool to drive on this for just one day for 300 miles if I can't find the part here before I leave. Their is a parts car about 70 miles south of here that I am going to check out, but if I can't get it just wondering if I should leave the car here for the time being or if I can drive it back home.

 

It would be very risky to drive that far but you may with some luck make it just run with no a/c and as little power from any creature comforts as possible.

 

Ugh, the dealer is the only place that has one. They want nearly $400 for it, but if I can't find one elsewhere I might just have to cave. Checked 6 different junk yards and the only one that had one didn't want to part out the engine out.

 

I just bought a brand new one for $64 on ebay. It's a generic brand one, but it will work. My only concern is that it didn't have counterbalance holes on the side such as OEM.Search on ebay and you will find the same seller selling more for the same price.

Finding a used harmonic balancer is easy because it's the same part# for GS300 IS300 and SC300.

 

Unfortunately I just bought the dealer one. Can't wait for shipping as I am leaving tomorrow to go back home. Wanted to take my car with me rather than leaving it here for 3 weeks until I come back. Hurts to have to pay this much for this but nobody had one here except for them.

 

Did the install, would like to add a quick tip. If it's a manual when installing the new crank pulley, put the car in 1st gear, then cover everything with pb blaster. Putting the car in gear offers more resistance and makes it even easier to turn the bolt to tighten the crank bolt down.

Don't hammer the harmonic balancer in as you'll have to deal with worrying about it being crooked. It needs to be absolutely straight.