Here's my issue (more just curious and little annoyance than anything). I have a '97 1500 with a 318 (still don't like the metric system) automatic. First, when it rains and I run through puddles, the truck starts to spit and sputter then returns to normal pretty quickly. What underneath can I seal up or cover to keep from getting wet that might help out? Second, every morning when I crank up for the first time, the belt squeals for about 5 minutes. Doesn't do it the rest of the day. Also when running through puddle, belt squeals until dry (not too unexpected). Haynes manual says it's an auto. adjust and there's no manual adjustment that can be made. I know the belt was replaced by the dealership right before I bought it. Any thoughts or hints?

 

for the spitting and sputtering, i'd say that there is water getting into your ignition somehow. For the squeel at startup, mine does it but only for a few seconds and this is because my crank seal is leaking (haven't got around to fixing it yet). Get under your truck and look for leaks, look good around the timing cover and near the crank pulley. For the squeel when goin through puddle, normal, just water getting on your belt.

 

As far as the belt squeal, that can be fixed by removing the belt and cleaning the pullies. Over time, you get dirt, grease, etc, that builds up on the pully/belt. A wire brush or a stiff brush may work. Be careful about using degreasers, because they may actually lubricate the pully and make the slippage worse. I would start with the crank pully, since that is the one that drives all the other accessory pullies. Maybe try another new belt as well. Someone else may have a recommendation on the better brands. Keep the old belt in the truck as a spare.

Don't waste your money on the stray-on belt dressings. I tried that on my old truck and it only made it worse. There are some types of belt dressings that are solid, but they have to be applied to the belt when it is running. That's not the safest thing with the serpentine belts. I've heard that caster oil is one of the better belt dressings. That's an old remedy (wive's tale?) that I heard from my dad, but I may be wrong on type of oil.

 

Spitting and sputtering.....Either one of the following: Cracked coil (no big deal to fix) or more likely, bad plug wires or wire that is causing an arc somewhere in your ignition system!

My 2 Cents

Belt squealing (if belt is new) check the idler pulley for correct tension and then clean pulleys as stated above

 

An easy way to check plug wires is to test them at night. Take a spray bottle and mist the wires with water. Fire the truck up and see if you can see any arcing on the wires. You might be able to check the coil this way too. If it's dark enough, you will get a pretty impressive light show.

 

The plug wires are new, don't know about the coil. I'm still going to check the wires, though, cause you never know. I'll find out tonight; I like light shows.

 

The plug wires are new, don't know about the coil. I'm still going to check the wires, though, cause you never know. I'll find out tonight; I like light shows.

 

You can use the spray bottle with water to test everything. Doesn't have to be at night. Adjust the spray to be reletively directional and start hitting stuff thats likely to get wet when you splash through a puddle. Hopefully, you can make your engine stumble at idle. When (if) you do ... there's your problem ... assuming it's an electrical issue and you're not just ingesting water down the intake somehow.

 

Oh man! I just came in from using a spray bottle. It's dark out, and I did get a little light show. Like I said earlier, the plug wires are new, but for some reason, when changing out the plug wires, the coil wire was not included. There was arc coming from a crack in the boot connecting to the coil as well as the wire right where it comes into the boot. There was also arc from further up the wire, as I found out when I tried to move it (light show was both visual and physical). With all the cracks I found in the coil wire, it's a wonder I didn't feel the spittin' and sputterin' even without adding water. A new coil wire will be added tomorrow. I really appreciate the ideas. I'm probably average at fixing things I know are wrong, but well below the curve on troubleshooting. Thanks again!!!! With an easy fix like that, I'll be able to take care of some real business this weekend![sm=icon_guiness.gif]

 

Mmmmm ... weekend business ... [8D]