1980 CE 280 and Drive Belt

plastic glass

I have a 1980 Mercedes Coupe 280. I have noticed a squealing or whirling noise when taking off and it isn't until third gear really that the noise goes away. Happens after every time I stop or slow down, so it doesnt just happen after the initial take off. I think it happened around this time last year as well but seemed to go away. I have done some research on the internet and it could have to do with the cold weather and the (alternator) drive belt.
I am thinking of getting some spray or dressing for the belt or do you think it is time to change the belt. Have put an awful lot of money into the car this year and really don't need it this time of year. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

bijapos

plastic glass wrote: »

I have a 1980 Mercedes Coupe 280. I have noticed a squealing or whirling noise when taking off and it isn't until third gear really that the noise goes away. Happens after every time I stop or slow down, so it doesnt just happen after the initial take off. I think it happened around this time last year as well but seemed to go away. I have done some research on the internet and it could have to do with the cold weather and the (alternator) drive belt.
I am thinking of getting some spray or dressing for the belt or do you think it is time to change the belt. Have put an awful lot of money into the car this year and really don't need it this time of year. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

If it's just the belt for the alternator it's a cheap and easy repair and I'd do this as it's better for the car long run. It's easy to do, plenty of guides on the internet on how to do this, every mechanic should know how to do it and it only takes a few minutes for an experienced mechanic.

Get the belt beforehand, as you can be sure you have the correct size and that you've bought a good quality one.

You could try it yourself if you feel up to it and get to know your car a bit better.

plastic glass

bijapos wrote: »

If it's just the belt for the alternator it's a cheap and easy repair and I'd do this as it's better for the car long run. It's easy to do, plenty of guides on the internet on how to do this, every mechanic should know how to do it and it only takes a few minutes for an experienced mechanic.

Get the belt beforehand, as you can be sure you have the correct size and that you've bought a good quality one.

You could try it yourself if you feel up to it and get to know your car a bit better.

Thanks. To be honest I dont think I would be up to it myself, I love my car and always take care of it and respect it but when it comes to the mechanics I am pretty clueless. I have a good mechanic down in Tipperary who does all repairs and maintenance for me but unfortunately I wont be able to get down to him anytime soon (currently living in dublin).

I know it is hard for you to assess the problem just from my description but do you think the noise might be a sign of something more serious?

w124man

There are a few guys around Dublin that will do that for you. Where abouts are you?

bbsrs

plastic glass wrote: »

I have a 1980 Mercedes Coupe 280. I have noticed a squealing or whirling noise when taking off and it isn't until third gear really that the noise goes away. Happens after every time I stop or slow down, so it doesnt just happen after the initial take off. I think it happened around this time last year as well but seemed to go away. I have done some research on the internet and it could have to do with the cold weather and the (alternator) drive belt.
I am thinking of getting some spray or dressing for the belt or do you think it is time to change the belt. Have put an awful lot of money into the car this year and really don't need it this time of year. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Could be a dodgy water pump , they squeal too if they're on the way out.

plastic glass

w124man wrote: »

There are a few guys around Dublin that will do that for you. Where abouts are you?

Im living in Grand Canal Dock and work off Talbot St. Any recommendations would be great.

Re the possibilty of it being a water pump, would this not squeal all the time if it was teh water pump? Thanks for reply though

Dades

Have a look at the belt, and you'll be able to tell if it's "glazed". That is, the outer edges aren't rough and grippy, but have been smoothed out by slippage.

That's a sign that you should really get a new belt. Especially this time of the year when the battery is always under strain due to the dark/rain/foggy windows. A slipping belt will mean the alternator isn't charging the battery.

But it's a really easy job to replace it for someone.

plastic glass

w124man wrote: »

There are a few guys around Dublin that will do that for you. Where abouts are you?

Dades wrote: »

Have a look at the belt, and you'll be able to tell if it's "glazed". That is, the outer edges aren't rough and grippy, but have been smoothed out by slippage.

That's a sign that you should really get a new belt. Especially this time of the year when the battery is always under strain due to the dark/rain/foggy windows. A slipping belt will mean the alternator isn't charging the battery.

But it's a really easy job to replace it for someone.

cheers, will have a look this evening

bbsrs

plastic glass wrote: »

Im living in Grand Canal Dock and work off Talbot St. Any recommendations would be great.

Re the possibilty of it being a water pump, would this not squeal all the time if it was teh water pump? Thanks for reply though

Regarding the water pump they don't necessarily squeak all the time if on the way out.

Bearcat

Pm sent

w124man

plastic glass wrote: »

Im living in Grand Canal Dock and work off Talbot St. Any recommendations would be great.

There is a guy opposite Lambe and O'Connor on Annesley Bridge Rd., Dublin 3