Whine from front of engine

[Pappy Wilson]

I have an 81 Interstate with just 29K miles and have enjoyed it a lot for the couple thousand miles I have been able to put on it this summer. The timing belts were changed at about 24K according to the previous owners about 5 years ago. I have a high pitched sound that seems to be coming from the front of the engine that gets higher pitched and louder as you speed up above 50 mph. I have never owned a Wing before and I was wondering if this noise is normal or if I have a potential problem. I was wondering if it could be the belt tensioners or something. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time,
Pappy Wilson

Pappy Wilson

 

[AApple]

I'm not gonna be much help, but I can say that the timing belts can make a whine if they are too tight.
There is also a water pump up front that could possibly make a noise....
It would probably be a good idea to check, or have someone check the tension on the timing belts, as well as the condition of the belts. You can't always go by what a PO says about the maintenance done on one of these things....

 

[Joep]

It is possible to get the timing belts nice and tight and they will sing at speeds.. and being the noise goes up and down in pitch with the motor.. they are the most likely culprits...

 

[dan filipi]

I replied over at NGW but I'll post it here also:

The belt tensioners have a spring intended to set the proper tension.
If the installer of the belts gave them a touch more tension instead of letting the spring do the job then they will whine.
If the whine just started though the problem could be a tensioner.
Either way I would pull the belt covers to have a look since a broken belt will result in major engine repairs.