When I first got the truck, the belt would squeek only when the engine was shutdown, so I replaced the serpentine belt with one from NAPA it was $49.99. It was fine for about 3 shut downs, no squeek at all. Now it is back. Is this normal for 12 valve engines? I've heard only one other 94-98 CTD engine do this when shutdown, is it a common problem with the automatic tensioner?

 

I wondered the same thing also and found this info.
"Cummins says this noise is normal and is caused by the engine stopping faster than the belt can. High compression says "whoa" while the fan says "go". The result is a chirp from the pully. If the viscous fan clutch is locked up at shutdown, the chirp may be heard in the next country. Belt wear and tensioner condition will also determine the decibel rating of your chirp. The chirp situation is not as common on 24-valve engines."

I doubt you have anything to worry about. Hope that helps!

 

The third gens do that as well. I also agree that the engine is rite now! shut off but the accessories are still in drive. I think that is nothing to worry about myself.

 

Very common! Try doing a search if you really want more information. Many say the Goodyear Gatorback belt stops the squeek.

 

I put a Gatorback belt on. No more squeak.

 

Yup. Goodyear Gatorback belt stops the squeek... so far.

 

Mines been chirping when I shutdown ever since I drove it off the dealers lot back in '95 - with new and old belts - wish that was the only problem I ever had! It's absolutely normal.

 

2,000 miles on my gator back belt and still no "chirp"

 

I kinda like the "Cummins chirp".....

 

It's embarassing, it makes me look like I don't know my elbow from my ******* when it comes to vehicles, and it's just about the opposite.

Gator back it is!!

Thanks guys!

 

I like the chirp too. It tells me my engine is still holding good compression. If it's not there then it's time for a new belt or I should start worrying.

 

58,000 and still no chirp

 

If the gatorback doesn't fix you up, a dual disc clutch will. Its a common thing with the autos. The manuals have a lot more rotating mass to slow down, so chirps are less common. Mine chirped once before the DD, now there is no hope for it to do it again.

 

I also run the Goodyear Gatorback belt and that got rid of my chirp that I wasn’t even trying to get rid of just needed a new belt.

 

I'm just ****** I ****** away $50 on a pos napa belt.

Story of my life.