I am a car beginner. I want help diagnosing this problem please so I can describe it to the mechanic a little better, and I have other questions too.

While driving my Honda civic automatic with a recently replaced engine and radiator, I started hearing this weird chirping/flapping noise (not squealing) whenever I stepped on the gas pedal. When the car shifts into higher gears the noise gets louder. There is little or no noise when not stepping on the gas pedal.

1. Is this frayed belt causing the noise? It's not the timing belt, but a belt lower than it. I tried looking in the service manual. Maybe it is the A/C belt? A strip of the top layer of the belt is peeling off and is frayed at the end. How big of a problem is this? Here is a picture:
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2. Should I not accelerate jerkily with a new engine? (50K miles, used Japanese engine) Will it be more likely to break a belt or something? Or would you do the opposite and push the engine as much as possible to bring out any problems while the engine is still under warranty?

3. The engine is still "under warranty" for parts and labor, so I will probably bring it back. Should I ask the mechanic about replacing anything else if I bring my car to him? The invoice of the original engine installation says the following parts have been replaced already: timing belt, thermostat with gasket, water pump, cam seal, crank seal, rear main seal, intake gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter.

4. I am also wondering whether or not the AC stopped working after the engine got replaced, but it has always been weak. It it common for the AC to stop working after engine replacement, and is it easy to do AC work when doing engine work?

5. A youtube video I watched about driving safety recommended glancing at your rear view mirror about every three seconds to be aware of the situation around you. Is this good advice?

6. Someone told me you can position your side mirrors so you don't have to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Is that true and is it good advice?

7. I am thinking about starting to do my own oil changes. Is it safer to use 4 jack stands instead of 2? If I only want to jack one end of the car up, is it still possible / safe to use 4 jack stands ? Is my trunk scissors jack fine to start, or should I get a wal mart jack or a $100+ jack online?

 

1. Uh, replace that alternator belt ASAP. It could be the source. If that belt snaps, your engine won't be able to recharge the battery, which will end up leaving you stranded somewhere.

2. 50K is well broken in already. Drive it any way you want. I doubt if you will run into more issues by driving it harder (and you might cause some problems by doing so.


3. Sounds like all of the expensive maintenance items are already taken care of. Take it back for the alternator belt, but other than that, you should be good. (Unless the belt isn't actually the noise.)

4. If the AC wasn't put together right, or if the system was not properly serviced, it is likely that the system will get weaker. Take it back to the shop. Don't accuse them of shoddy work, but DO tell them that isn't working great.

5. That's a little overcautious. If you're in traffic, glance at the mirrors. If traffic is light, keep your eyes on the road. Check mirrors when you're about to switch lanes, check your blind spots before switching lanes.

6. In my experience, you will always have a blind spot. Position your mirrors as well as possible, but always check the blind spots just in case.

7. You can use just 2 jack stands as long as you have the parking break on and have something behind or in front of the wheels to prevent movement. It's possible to use 4 jack stands. You can use the scissor jack to get the 4 corners (or both sides of the front) up one at a time, but NEVER use just the scissor jack when you are going to be under the car.

 

For changing oil, use ramps instead of jack stands. They're much quicker and safer for work under the car that doesn't require taking the wheels off.

 

ive not been able to use ramps in YEARS. both sets of ramps i own hit the bumper before the tire makes it on to them... and its at the stock ride height...

i use 2 stands when workign on mine all the time... though ive never had to take the wheels off to use them... just chuck the rear ties and use the e-break. and when you get both sides up, give the car a good shake, if there no movement, youre good.... at least thats how i do it