Can you run the engine briefly without a belt?

[fdbyrne]

I have a whining sound coming from the engine compartment that increases and decreases with engine RPM. It sounded like the power steering pump. I was so sure that it was the power steering pump that I replaced it without attempting to diagnose it any farther. Afterwards the sound didn't change at all. Even if the pump I installed was defective I'd assume there would be a slight change in the noise but it's exactly the same.

Before I start replacing things here and there I'd like to be sure that it's one of my accessories. Is it OK to run the engine for 20 seconds or so without the belt?

 

[gshadow325]

i dont see why not. i have done it on other cars before.

most likely culprit is a pulley bad.

 

[fdbyrne]

I do know that I have quite a bit of play in two of my idler pulleys. I have a replacement set on the way. I'm hoping that takes care of it.

 

[awdjunkies]

I quickly clicked on this thread thinking I was going to read about driving a V8 4runner without a timing belt for a few lol

Yeah, as Gshadow325 suggests, it's okay for a little bit while you diagnose/replace parts..

 

[fdbyrne]

That's funny. Since I have the V6 I didn't even think about how that title would sound from the point of view of a person who had the V8. I should have been more specific.

 

[Ask10]

Well, as a V8 owner on the other hand, I didn't even think how the V6 had a chain so...it's okay, it goes both ways.

And yes, without a serpentine belt for a little bit is fine. You'll get a battery warning and obviously have no A/C/power steering, etc. so make sure if you drive a little bit that you account for that.

 

[Sungod]

and you should only do this when it is cold. It doesn't take long for the temps to skyrocket when it is hot and the fan doesn't turn.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Don't run the engine for more than a couple of minutes and I would do it when the engine's cold. But if you're just doing it to run the vehicle without a belt to eliminate a noise, its not a big deal. Just remember to put the belt back on before running the engine longer than about 3-5 minutes.