The idler pulley can be the source easily. Maybe you can get some oil
on the bushing, but I couldn't on the last couple I have seen. Well, I
got some WD40 with the straw on it into one and the noise dropped, so it
was replacement time.

The replacement part is three different things that have to be ordered
separate. The bushing, the washer and the bolt.

A dirty cable end can also make the alternator suck big time and need HP
big time after a start so the belt slips. Dressing won't help that.

I test mine by going out with a cold off engine and trying to hand slip
the alternator pulley. If I can slip it, it either is loose or it had
'shined' up. The alternator needs several HP to spin up under load and
if you can hand spin it, it will slip.

If that is the case, I need a new belt. I go through 3 or more
alternator belts a year when I am running mud pits. Mud equals liquid
sandpaper and will polish the belt up real sweet.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

econof wrote:
>
> Whenever I start my '86 cj-7 i can hear a squeaking sound. I also notice
> that the rpm's fluctuate while this is going on.I am certain it is coming
> from one of the pulleys Is this the idler pulley? If not, how do i pinpoint
> which pulley it is? How hard is it to replace?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Frank

 

The idler pulley can be the source easily. Maybe you can get some oil
on the bushing, but I couldn't on the last couple I have seen. Well, I
got some WD40 with the straw on it into one and the noise dropped, so it
was replacement time.

The replacement part is three different things that have to be ordered
separate. The bushing, the washer and the bolt.

A dirty cable end can also make the alternator suck big time and need HP
big time after a start so the belt slips. Dressing won't help that.

I test mine by going out with a cold off engine and trying to hand slip
the alternator pulley. If I can slip it, it either is loose or it had
'shined' up. The alternator needs several HP to spin up under load and
if you can hand spin it, it will slip.

If that is the case, I need a new belt. I go through 3 or more
alternator belts a year when I am running mud pits. Mud equals liquid
sandpaper and will polish the belt up real sweet.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

econof wrote:
>
> Whenever I start my '86 cj-7 i can hear a squeaking sound. I also notice
> that the rpm's fluctuate while this is going on.I am certain it is coming
> from one of the pulleys Is this the idler pulley? If not, how do i pinpoint
> which pulley it is? How hard is it to replace?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Frank