Alright mechanics- help!
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cumming GA
Alright mechanics- help!
I have an '81 -50K miles. Recently, I've started to hear a clicking noise around the front of the engine that gets faster when you accelerate (and frankly, louder). I've been reading around trying to find other posts regarding this, but have come up empty.
I got a stethoscope and tried putting it all over the engine, but to no avail. It's not a cylinder- at least i don't think, b/c I didn't hear anything from the valve covers.
Could it be the water pump bearings? (but i bought a new one about 5 months ago- couldn't gotten a bad one i guess)
Or maybe the fan clutch? it's stock.
Any other suggestions? - b/c i'm getting nowhere! Thanks again guys.
I got a stethoscope and tried putting it all over the engine, but to no avail. It's not a cylinder- at least i don't think, b/c I didn't hear anything from the valve covers.
Could it be the water pump bearings? (but i bought a new one about 5 months ago- couldn't gotten a bad one i guess)
Or maybe the fan clutch? it's stock.
Any other suggestions? - b/c i'm getting nowhere! Thanks again guys.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
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You can eliminate the wated pump by removing the belt and starting it. Don't run it long without a belt, but if it is always there, and you remove it, that is a way of pin pointing it.
Without hearing it, it is tough to figure out. I get this all the time at work, but you do your best.
Keep us notified.
Without hearing it, it is tough to figure out. I get this all the time at work, but you do your best.
Keep us notified.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
That's the method. Remove belts for each component..one at a time, so that you can isolate which components is noisy. Alternator, power steering pump, water pump (yes, it can), & smog pump can all produce such sounds. Other possible contributors are timing chain and fuel pump. Good luck.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cumming GA
Nice- thanks for all the responses. I'll try to pin point by "removing the belts" method... If it still makes the noise- you'll see me post again. And to add to general 69's comment- the noise happens whether it's in park or drive and I accelerate- thanks again everyone.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Wayne NJ
Alright mechanics- help!
Sounds to me like the fuel pump. The internal spring broke on a brand new AC pump I installed on my 72 within the first 1000 miles. It worked, but was pretty noisy.
Check yours with the stethoscope.
Check yours with the stethoscope.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
Check the fuel pump first, as it's easier an cheaper. That may not be the problem but if it is and you do the timing set first you'll have wasted a lot of time and effort.
There is a lot involved in changing timing gears, and I suggest having all the tools first. Get a balancer puller and installer. Be ready to drain the block, and fill it again. You'll be removing the water pump, balancer, oil pan, timing cover, chain, and replacing the gaskets. This is also a good time to upgrade to the new FelPro one piece pan gasket.
Last edited by Durango_Boy; Mar 2, 2007 at 09:02 AM.
Burning Brakes
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From: Baldwinsville, NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Knoxville Tennessee
Check all the easy things first before you start removing components. It is usually the easiest thing that is at fault. If it were a bad motor mount the fan rubbing the shrould would make a screeching sound.
Bernie
Bernie
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From: Cumming GA
Nice- thanks all.
To Durango Boy- I replaced the stock fuel pump last October with an Edelbrock 1421(110 gph), but while installing- damaged the rod and had to get another one... don't ask- we shoved the fuel pump really hard before we realized that the rod needed to be in the "up" position- live and learn right. Anyways, I got a new rod and installed the fuel pump properly, but I guess we could have damaged the fuel pump arm in the process- however, I took my stethoscope to the fuel pump and heard and little knocking, but not the loud knock that I am hearing from the front.
gbak mentioned something about the exhaust gasket- meaning what exactly? - b/c I'm kinda new to all this stuff. Thanks again guys.
To Durango Boy- I replaced the stock fuel pump last October with an Edelbrock 1421(110 gph), but while installing- damaged the rod and had to get another one... don't ask- we shoved the fuel pump really hard before we realized that the rod needed to be in the "up" position- live and learn right. Anyways, I got a new rod and installed the fuel pump properly, but I guess we could have damaged the fuel pump arm in the process- however, I took my stethoscope to the fuel pump and heard and little knocking, but not the loud knock that I am hearing from the front.
gbak mentioned something about the exhaust gasket- meaning what exactly? - b/c I'm kinda new to all this stuff. Thanks again guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Raleigh North Carolina
Tighten all of the exhaust manifold bolts/studs before doing any real work.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Algonac Michigan
I believe if you open the hood of your car at night and very little light you may even be able to see a leak at a exhaust leak. It will look and sound like a small firecracker!
Had a friend years ago and when he would open his hood at night it would look like the 4th Of July!!!
Had a friend years ago and when he would open his hood at night it would look like the 4th Of July!!!
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Cumming GA
Will try- over the weekend i'm going to hopefully figure it out and let you guys know.... if it were me I would want to know if I diagnosed it right. You guys are heavy book of knowledge- thanks again for everything.