Problem with a screaming belt, (sigh) help

[Lonesome7.3]

I cannot believe I have to ask for guidance on such an elementary problem. But this thing is driving me nuts. I recently did away with the smog pump on my wife’s 96 F250 gasser. It has a 351. I eliminated the smog pump and an idler pulley then ran a shorter belt. The set up works great. Except, when the truck starts up it sounds like a screaming banshee who has not had her morning coffee. It is even worse when it is cold out. All the pulleys are in good shape the belt is new what is the issue? I think maybe the belt is a little too short and I should go with a half inch longer. What do you all think?

 

[Texas Jim]

Why did you eliminate the the smog pomp and idler.
Was there a problem with it?

Does the new belt squeal "ALL THE TIME:... or just when starting up?
Is the new belt at the proper tightness?
Is it possible that the new belt is old and hard from sitting at the parts store for a long time?

I would also be checking the BEARINGS in all of the other pulleys.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I eleiminated the smog pump beause it was not hooked up any way. So rather than have something with a bearing in it that could seize up and leave her stranded I just removed it altogether. The ilder I removed because I did not seem to need it any more. The new belt routing did not take it into that area. The sqeeling only happens at start up. It dies out quickly. I to thought maybe a bearing is bad, but they did not do it prior to the new belt.

 

[davbell22602]

sounds like a pulley problem.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Great, now which one?

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

take the belt off and change the direction its rotating,(turn it around) sounds kinda silly but has worked for me before.

otherwise there must be some bearing drag from one of the pulleys when its cold.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

That sounds so freaking simple. I think you may have a good idea there. Thanks.