Today I went to start my 1991 civic Si since November 2012 when i got tires for it.
I know I should start it every 3-4 months or so, but Im too lazy !
Anyways, while it cranked slowly, it started but the screeching noise was terrible.
It also started to smoke, so I shut it off.
I then tried again and still screeching, so I grabbed a garden hose and sprayed water on the alternator belt and inside the timing belt cover to try and moisten the belts. So I tried starting again and the noise was slowly fading..finally went away after 30 seconds. I then let it run for 20 minutes in the driveway, then drove it about 1 mile to the gas station to fill up the tires to 35 PSI.

Was this the alternator making noise or the timing belt that was not seating ?

 

That wouldn't have been the timing belt

 

I know. It was the alternator belt. After it warms up, it goes away.

 

weather/climate deterioration. replace the alt. belt or tighten the tension a bit thats what i had to do to mine.

 

Alternator belt was replaced in 2009, with same mileage as on now.

 

it might be the bearing in the alternator pulley that needs replaced, or greased but it doesn't hurt to check the belt, make sure it doesn't have cracks now for sitting so long.

 

The car is still in storage.... not being driven.

 

So I went to start up my 1991 Civic Si the other day after 1 year sitting and it did in fact start, but because the battery was low the alternator placed a high load on the belt, which was a little brittle from not moving and made a terrible screeching noise for 30 seconds !
The alternator would fairly soon charge up the battery enough to reduce the load and stop the screech. I had the battery disconnected, but does the battery drain even though it is disconnected ?
Anyways, I was thinking of buying a battery maintainer, trickle charger.
Which do you recommend ? I was thinking of getting the Battery Tender.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

 

Might it have been the water pump making noise...
I stored my former 91 Si and didn't start it for 2 years once. but it never made a noise. Yeah battery tender makes since, but then there is risk. The battery tender is likely made in China. And we all know waht that means, junk. It could fry your car up. BAD. When i store mine, the battery comes out, put on a charger for a night, and bring the battery in to my basement and put on the shelf.

Then in 6 months, i throw it on a charger for a bit again. I won't trust any non oem electricals on my car, that goes for remote starts....witnessed way too many cars burned up due to them shorting.

 

You need a new belt. Mileage doesnt wear belts, age does. In fact, a belt used regularly (daily driven) will last much longer than a belt sitting still under tension. You could try some belt dressing spray, but that is a temp solution.

 

You are probably right..
Same goes for timing belt ?

 

Yes, that applies to all belts. Ask a classic Ferrari owner about that

 

My guess: Your alternator was going "full field" (100% output) because your battery was very low on charge. This was causing the belt to slip.
Recommend putting the battery on a trickle charger, and changing the belt.

 

The battery will leak off sitting unhooked.