bad noise coming from engine (video)

[cavernicola]

Alternator bushings, interesting suggestion. I'll check that out too. Thanks for the tip. Did you check the video?

[e30Matt]

Alternator bushings, interesting suggestion. I'll check that out too. Thanks for the tip. Did you check the video?

Yeah, it didn't sound much like the sounds mine made, but the local master tech said they'll make all sorts of strange noises when they go bad.

[DaN]

I guess the next logical step would be a timing belt change. How hard is it to change it? It looks like you have to take apart a lot of shit to get to it (belts, covers, pipes). Is it true you have to take out the fan and clutch (big 22mm thin wall socket) or is it an optional step? I have never done heavy mechanic work and dont want to start something I cant finish since this is my only car. Can it be done in less than 8 hrs by a rookie?

You should be able to do it in 8 hours, but I don't really know you. YOu have to remove the fan. You need a thin 32mm wrench, not 22mm.

[arsevader]

I checked the fan and fan shroud and didnt find anything except the fan is missing one blade, but no rubbing issues.

Fix this as soon as you can. A missing fan blade will cause a pretty major imbalance issue and will destroy your water pump.

James

[uflnuceng]

Can it be done in less than 8 hrs by a rookie?

Got Bentley?

That will walk you through what you need to do.

[arsevader]

Alternator bushings, interesting suggestion. I'll check that out too. Thanks for the tip. Did you check the video?

Yeah, it didn't sound much like the sounds mine made, but the local master tech said they'll make all sorts of strange noises when they go bad.

You probably mean bad alternator 'bearings' not bushings. Bushings are what mount the alternator in the bracket. The bearings are inside the alternator and would make sounds when they went bad.

James

[cavernicola]

Ok guys, i finally changed the water pump and timing belt and tensioner. It turned out the water pump bearing was bad making it vibrate/noisy. I also put a new fan since the old one has one blade missing. Turns out the vibration of the water pump broke one of the blades. It took me about 10 hrs total to do everything. Next time (haha) I will pay someone to do it!!! By the end of it I was covered in grease and my knuckles are destroyed (ouch!). Thanks to everyone for your help.

[mjc85]

I have almost the exact same problem as this, started like 15 minutes ago. Came here to ask what it is and found this post =) My noise is similiar but sounds more like the valves i think ? I will go and make a sound recording and post it here, because i wanna make sure its the same problem (hopefully) before i try to replace the water pump.