Chirping noise in engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Queen Creek az
Chirping noise in engine
My 94 lt1 seems to have a chirping noise about every 2-3 sec. I noticed it about a week ago. Could it be a pulley or water pump? the sound resonates in around the intake/lifter area. I replaced the oil today. The car has great performance and burns no oil and still gets great fuel economy. Does it sound serious? My serpentine belt was replaced 12,000 miles ago otherwise noting else has been replaced for at least 3 years. All help would be appreciated.
Last edited by redaz94; Feb 25, 2006 at 05:57 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
probably a belt/pulley starting to wear. Could be the A/C compressor, the water pump, the power steering pump, even the tensioner pulley.
Likely, nothing will "show" as in higher temps or whatnot, it can be hit-miss on replacing the said part depending on how good your hearing is. On the bright side, if you wait long enough it will get louder and aid you in your diagnosis!
Likely, nothing will "show" as in higher temps or whatnot, it can be hit-miss on replacing the said part depending on how good your hearing is. On the bright side, if you wait long enough it will get louder and aid you in your diagnosis!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by RRT vette
I wouldn' t worry about it unless it is really loud and bothersome or you start noticing changes in temps or pressures.
I ignored a 'chirping' sound on my Pontiac, and an idler pully seized and throught the belt off......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Corvettes are sometimes like people. That noise could be the start of something expensive. Also could just be a noise that will go away without ill effect. Probably one of the best things I did when I started this hobby was to seek out a couple of fellows who know lots about cars and will offer their expertise. Get to know someone at the local parts store and ask about "corvette guys" or "car guys" who know their cars.
A knowledgeable car guy in your corner is worth a lot......
A knowledgeable car guy in your corner is worth a lot......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
Originally Posted by brdd
Corvettes are sometimes like people. That noise could be the start of something expensive. Also could just be a noise that will go away without ill effect. Probably one of the best things I did when I started this hobby was to seek out a couple of fellows who know lots about cars and will offer their expertise. Get to know someone at the local parts store and ask about "corvette guys" or "car guys" who know their cars.
A knowledgeable car guy in your corner is worth a lot......
A knowledgeable car guy in your corner is worth a lot......
CAUTION: Most people think they're knowledgable, but only speak from limited personal experience. This may work, but don't believe just one guy. ask around and ponder before committing based on one "friend's" opinion.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 3
From: The Motor City
I vote to try and find the source. Issolating may be a bit hard but I agree w/a stethascope, and don't just start replacing parts. The thing about waitng is, maybe it may get loud enough to save money buying the scope.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Try the easiest approach first. If you can't isolate the 'chirp' by listening to it then loosen the belt and spin all the pulleys. Feel for any movement, binding, or anything else one pulley at a time until you find it. I would bet on the belt tensioner pulley as that seems to usually be first one to fail. Easy test, better than having pulley freeze, burn out the belt, broken belt whip around and wipe out sensors and vac lines, and then a wrecker to boot.
Like the old ad said--"you can pay me now, or you can pay me later".
Let us know how it turns out
Like the old ad said--"you can pay me now, or you can pay me later".
Let us know how it turns out
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Ludlow Ma
Originally Posted by MikeC4
I would not ignore it. Right now it is a warning sign. A chirp could soon develop into complete bearing seizure, and a smoked belt. Get a mechanics stehescope and try ot isolate the pully that is chirping...then repair it.
I ignored a 'chirping' sound on my Pontiac, and an idler pully seized and throught the belt off......
I ignored a 'chirping' sound on my Pontiac, and an idler pully seized and throught the belt off......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Originally Posted by redaz94
Could it be internal? maybe pistons,lifters,valves or do you think I would have more issues if that were the case? By the way I appreciate you responses.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 678
Likes: 2
From: Lengede
Originally Posted by aminnich
I would say no way to internal problem. Chirps are 99.9% belt related noises.
Bought one from eBay and it runs great eversince.
