Screeching under the bonnet!

[ravel_G]

I'm getting severe screeching noises - like firework rockets going off! - from under the bonnet of my Ford Fiesta in first 30 seconds whenever I start up . . . And the dial shows the engine is getting very hot since this has been happening . Is this a fan belt problem?

[taff1949]

this sounds without doubt a slipping fan belt

[Harley]

Must be the fan belt. It's loose and is spinning over the pulleys.

[Sphinx_Svens]

3 out of 3 answers ... almost certainly the fan belt

[ravel_G]

Thanks for that guys.

[Jay70]

It couls well be the fan belt or even the water pump.

[JimmyK]

I'd go for the fan belt being loose. after starting up, the alternator has to replace the charge lost from the battery by starting the engine, so there is a heavy load on it for a while, hence the 30 seconds. can also be heard when you have the lights, rear heater, blower motor on in the winter, again heavy electrical loading.
89-94 fiestas had several designs of fan belt tensioner, redesigns always imply there is a recurring problem.
I kept adjusting mine thinking the noise would go away... it did go away, after the old one broke and I replaced it with a new one!