engine squeal

[Berlinarator]

G'day everyone

As the title suggests, I've got an annoying squeal coming from the front of my L67 engine. I've done a fair bit of research on this forum about similar issues, but thought I'd put it out here for any recommendations.

It all started when I washed down my engine bay last week. It doesn't leak any oil, so I just used the car wash cleaner and high pressure hose. Since then, it's been squealing and is really starting to get under my skin. It doesn't happen when the engine is stone cold, it will start when I've been driving (from cold) for about 4 or 5 minutes, then continue until I've been driving for about 15 or 20 minutes. In terms of engine speed, it will vary. Mostly it occurs from say 1200rpm upwards, and then as the engine gets warmer it'll be from say 2000rpm upwards.

I had it in at Jax Quick Fit for something else, and they replaced the supercharger belt because it was a little worn, as well as the supercharger bearings, and the water pump. They applied a dry lube to both belts, but this fix only lasted until the next morning when the noise started again. So I proceeded to clean both belts again and used lead, then dry soap (applied while engine running) - no good there either. So I cleaned the belts with a high pressure hose again, then with a clean rag - no good again. I then used a suggestion from this forum to apply fine sandpaper to the edges of the belts for 2 - 3 seconds, once again, no good.

I think I've isolated it to the drive belt - the supercharger belt is making a different whine (quiet), though not enough to bother me because the belt is brand new and probably still running in. It seems to be from the right hand side of the engine. I'm thinking the alternator, idler pulley or power steering pulley. Before I go ahead and replace the idler pulley or drive belt, does anyone have any suggestions??

Thanks in advance.

[caaf]

Short and sweet.. I'd start with the idler pulley. As it's the cheapest and easiest to do all over in the time it takes to drink a can