Machine problem

[giggs]

Hi, guys. My car, Eclipse 2000, has problem when the engine starting. I am not sure where the sound comes from. Is it because of the timing belt? The mileage is around 39,000. Anyone ever experienced or knows the problem? And how much will the timing belt cost if so? And, guys, does any of you have problem with the car door? One of the doors doesn't close smoothly. Is it because of the MITSUBISHI steel plate under the door? Because it is bent. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Shpyder]

Please be more accurate.

what does "problem with engine starting" mean? Does it crank? Does start and die? Strange ignition noise? Also, vehicle specs...info...thanks.

[duckydsp]

You'd have better luck in the eclipse 2000+ forum.

[giggs]

Sorry for the brief explanation. It's Eclipse GT 2000. Whenever I try starting the engine that has not been heated up (usually morning), there is some sound. I tried to figure out the source and I think it's the timing belt. Can the timing belt creates such sound when not heated up will create sound? The mileage is 39,000 and the card says that it might need to get replaced. Is that the problem?

[Shpyder]

timing belts are replaced at 60K-65K miles on most cars. Prematurely chaning them serves no real beneficial purpose if they are still good. Sounds to me like either you idler pulley or power steering belt. had the same thing on my car... sqeaking and squealing noise, goes away when car is warm.

(ducky is right though, you would have better luck in the 2000+ forum)

[giggs]

Yeah, Sphyder. I think it's the power steering belt? Whenever I turn off the engine there is dripping water sound inside the wheel i suppose and recently whenever I turn left the car, there is some sound from the right front wheel, but when I turn right, there is no problem. Do you know what causes this? Any solutions? If it's the power steering belt, how much will it cost? When you said idler pulley does that mean driving belt? When I open the hood, you are right, the sound is from that pulley belt. Anyone knows how much will the belt and all the service cost? By the way, what's the use of driving belt and power steering belt? Will it harm the machine if I don't change it?

[95eclipse-gsx]

my advice is that before changing any belt.. try this for one week and tell us what happens... everyday or everytime when u start up ur car try to warm up.. dont drive without warming the engine... that might be the problem i think

[giggs]

95eclipse-gsx, everytime I start up the car I warm it up. And you are right that when the car has heated up, the sound will be gone but it will be gone only after the car has moved. If I just warm it up without driving, the sound is not gone also. Kinda weird right? Sometimes the sound can be gone in short time after heated and sometimes not.

[JoeWagon]

So, your car makes a funny sound, OK fine.. but you aren't going to solve the problem in the wrong forum, where we can't hear your car. I'm afraid nobody knows what 'funny sound' your car is making.

[giggs]

Thanks anyway for the help. By the way, do you guys ever wash the machine of the car? My car's machine is dirty enough and is it OK if I just wash it with water?

[Urban_Squrill]

machine of the car? Do you mean to motor?

[giggs]

I mean the engine.