A squealing from the engine block...

[Rob Henderson]

Hi folks,

I'm new to ClioSport.net (and posting on forums in general!).

I purchased my 59 plate Clio Renaultsport 200 back in Sept 2023 and it has since developed a "squealing" sound from the engine bay, but only when the engine is cold - give it 5 minutes for the engine to get into the optimum temperature range and the squealing has gone and it drives like a dream.

I took it to a non-Renault specialist garage at the end of my road (for convenience sake), and they replaced the aux belt and tensioner, as it was clearly worn. However, this did not the squealing. So I took it back and they raised it on the vehicle lift and revved the engine for me to show me that the squealing was clearly coming from the engine block itself. They were not able to resolve the issue any further as it was outside of their expertise.
So I suppose I have 2 questions...

1. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Does anyone know what the problem could be?

2. Does anyone know of and/or recommend a Renault-specialist garage in the Solihull, Redditch, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon area?

Cheers.

 

[NorthloopCup]

Hi folks,

I'm new to ClioSport.net (and posting on forums in general!).

I purchased my 59 plate Clio Renaultsport 200 back in Sept 2023 and it has since developed a "squealing" sound from the engine bay, but only when the engine is cold - give it 5 minutes for the engine to get into the optimum temperature range and the squealing has gone and it drives like a dream.

I took it to a non-Renault specialist garage at the end of my road (for convenience sake), and they replaced the aux belt and tensioner, as it was clearly worn. However, this did not the squealing. So I took it back and they raised it on the vehicle lift and revved the engine for me to show me that the squealing was clearly coming from the engine block itself. They were not able to resolve the issue any further as it was outside of their expertise.
So I suppose I have 2 questions...

1. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Does anyone know what the problem could be?

2. Does anyone know of and/or recommend a Renault-specialist garage in the Solihull, Redditch, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon area?

Cheers.

Sean Edwards is in Solihull and he’s a well regarded Renault specialist.

 

[Mr Trailer Man]

Yeah Sean Edwards is a good shout.

Squealing from the block, that's a new one.

I'd say the water pump if I had to guess.

 

[NorthloopCup]

Yeah Sean Edwards is a good shout.

Squealing from the block, that's a new one.

I'd say the water pump if I had to guess.

Yeah water pump was my first thought tbf

 

[Mr Trailer Man]

Yeah water pump was my first thought tbf

Could have ruled it out by running without the aux belt on, but it's driven off the cambelt on them isn't it?

 

[LiamPa]

Have you tried replacing or cleaning the PCV valve?

 

[NorthloopCup]

Could have ruled it out by running without the aux belt on, but it's driven off the cambelt on them isn't it?

yeah belt driven mate.

Have you tried replacing or cleaning the PCV valve?

Another very good shout

 

[kingdave78]

Rob, did you get to the bottom of this? My 200 has this same fault and it's getting worse - used to be first few mins when cold but now can be constant up to about 30 mins.

Have had it in a garage and they too replaced the aux belts but say it's coming from the block as well.

Assuming it was the water pump?

Really annoying to be honest as had the cambelt etc. replaced not too long ago...bet it's a pricey bit of labour time as well!

 

[mumpy]

Rob, did you get to the bottom of this? My 200 has this same fault and it's getting worse - used to be first few mins when cold but now can be constant up to about 30 mins.

Have had it in a garage and they too replaced the aux belts but say it's coming from the block as well.

Assuming it was the water pump?

Really annoying to be honest as had the cambelt etc. replaced not too long ago...bet it's a pricey bit of labour time as well!

It is generally normal practice to replace water pump as part of cambelt change... try cleaning pcv valve

 

[kingdave78]

I'll take a look, thanks. But, would the PCV valve really make a squealing noise - similar to an over-tensioned belt?

 

[mumpy]

I'll take a look, thanks. But, would the PCV valve really make a squealing noise - similar to an over-tensioned belt?

I believe so, maybe higher pitched whistle/squeal than a worn aux belt etc.

 

[kingdave78]

Right ok...just seems really odd as goes away when warm. I suspect it's a knackered water pump but will give this a try first and report back...so much cheaper than a water pump!

 

[mumpy]

Right ok...just seems really odd as goes away when warm. I suspect it's a knackered water pump but will give this a try first and report back...so much cheaper than a water pump!

Maybe you can try to remove the dipstick as a quick test, see if the sound changes

 

[mumpy]

Right ok...just seems really odd as goes away when warm. I suspect it's a knackered water pump but will give this a try first and report back...so much cheaper than a water pump!

Yeah probably water pump though

 

[kingdave78]

Spoke to the mechanic who did the cambelt for me and he can't remember if I specifically asked him to do the water pump at the same time. I can't remember either and the file isn't with me at the moment to check.

So I checked under the bonnet with someone else revving it...the PCV valve sounds like a demented kazoo going off every now and then but sounds like the squealing is coming from inside the engine - as best I can tell.

So likely the valve AND the water pump need sorting out.

 

[Brigsy]

Water pump should be done as a given with cambelt to be fair.

If it is waterpump then fit genuine renault pump only, i had an aftermarket water pump fail after 8k, and had to do the same job twice.

Aux belt will chirp from cold. Check the tensioner has not seized and its slipping, run it with aux belt off to test

 

[ex-Chinese Dave]

Could it be the thrust bearing in the clutch? Mine used to squeal before it was changed and it sounded like it was coming from the engine itself.

 

[kingdave78]

Could it be the thrust bearing in the clutch? Mine used to squeal before it was changed and it sounded like it was coming from the engine itself.

That’s a good point …original clutch so could be related. Going to change pvc valve on Monday so will find out…

Btw…did try it without aux belt and same problem.