During the last few days, the engine has developed a squeak, squeak, squeak noise when I start the car in the morning. It stops after a couple of minutes. Sound familiar to anyone?

 

Dribble some water on the accessory belt. Does the squeak go away?

 

I'll try it. What does it mean if the squeak goes away?

 

The accessory belt is slipping and may need to be replaced. The pulleys may be glazed also or the tensioner may be faulty.

 

+1 on accessory belt.

As Mikey pointed out - ensure the tensioner is working properly - there is a notch in the assembly that should be within the 2 marks. Also, again, all pulleys should roll smoothly and no "wobble" - if either are evident - change the offending pulley out before installing a new belt.

 

Thanks, I'll check in the morning. Too late now as it has already warmed up.

 

If that doesn't turn anything up, better have a look at the crank pulley. The damper can de-laminate and eventually it will either start tossing the belt or shredding it. On the +side, you have probably 3-6 mo between onset of tweeting and belt problems. There is a test involving putting a couple of marks on the pulley and damper but i don't recall the particulars. Search "damper" and that should pop it up. I know there is a good discission of it somewhere in the X300 section, but think it has also been covered here in S-Types. FWIW, I've experienced the failure in both the 7.3L Exc and a 3.0L S-Type.