Serpentine belt squeal

[sasquatch]

My serpentine belt squeals when I start the ZJ with the a/c on, but not when the a/c is off. Also, it only does it when I starting it after its been sitting for a good while. Could the belt be loose or too tight? The compressor mounts loose? The pullys look in line to the naked eye. If I let it squeal and rev the engine, I can smell the belt burning. But I can't find where the problem exactly is. Any ideas? It's pissing me off.

[texasxj]

try getting a new belt-if that doesnt work-clean the new one up and take it back and start looking at other stuff.

[TexTJ209]

Mine used to do that, I sprayed the **** out of the A/C clutch with oil. It'd go away for a while...then it eventually went away.

[Ben97XJ]

Mine did that too i tried everything but a new belt fixed it. Belt dressing doesn't do ****. And don't break your belt tensioner when you replace it. Its a *****.

[BigRedFord04]

serp belts usually dont get loose unless there is a problem w/ the tensioner. i'd try what Kasey suggested and spray the clutch w/ WD40 or the like. usually the only thing that makes a serp belt squeal like that is something not turning...in this case, probably the A/C clutch. mine's made that noise twice, 1st time the idler pulley froze up, the 2nd time the smog pump froze up. both times a wonderfull burning rubber aroma from the engine compartment. have someone start it while you watch and see if the A/C clutch is turning.

[sasquatch]

have someone start it while you watch and see if the A/C clutch is turning.

I looked at it while it was running. The clutch was engaged and turning. :confused:

[BigRedFord04]

was it still squealing?

[uglyota]

if it happens on startup and goes away pretty quickly it's probably just condensation on the belt
you should take it to the dealer and ask them to replace the belt, idler, a/c clutch and check your alternator and kanuter bearing ;)