Waterpump noise?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Colgate WI
Waterpump noise?
I have some noise that seems to be coming from the front of my engine. It kind of sounds like something metal getting chewed up in a blender at low speed. It's not a steady or consistent noise, but it is fairly loud. Also as the noise occurs, you can see the tensioner bounce up and down a bit. I pulled the belt off the car and spun everything and all was quiet except for the alternator and it wasn't that loud. It just made more of a whirring noise. I did not start the car with the belt off but I will do that soon.
So, does a dieing waterpump make that type of noise. I was able to move the shaft a tiny little bit when I grabbed the pulley.
So, does a dieing waterpump make that type of noise. I was able to move the shaft a tiny little bit when I grabbed the pulley.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Colgate WI
OK, so I went out and yanked the belt off (what fun!) and the waterpump is silky smooth and doesn't make noise or feel crunchy at all. The shaft will move a micro-fraction if you want on it as hard as possible.
The power steering pump shaft can be moved some. Not a lot. It feels smooth when it is spun, but I can get it to make a similar noise if I turn the pulley back and forth an inch or two. Think clockwise then anti-clockwise in a quick fashion over and over.
The power steering pump shaft can be moved some. Not a lot. It feels smooth when it is spun, but I can get it to make a similar noise if I turn the pulley back and forth an inch or two. Think clockwise then anti-clockwise in a quick fashion over and over.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 199
Likes: 1
From: Asheboro NC
yeah the bearing in the water pump is designed to let you know it is going bad which is normally a high pitched squeal. also it will spit water from the weep hole on top of the pump.
but it could just be the tensioner itself making the noise. is the tensioner in spec? check the three little marks on top of the tensioner and see if it is still in range under tension.
but it could just be the tensioner itself making the noise. is the tensioner in spec? check the three little marks on top of the tensioner and see if it is still in range under tension.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Colgate WI
Hey! You might be onto something there! I recently put a TPIS air pump eliminator on there and I noticed that since then, the tensioner is not as tight as it was. I don't think I needed the shorter belt for my year, but I wonder if that could be the problem.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
yeah the bearing in the water pump is designed to let you know it is going bad which is normally a high pitched squeal. also it will spit water from the weep hole on top of the pump.
but it could just be the tensioner itself making the noise. is the tensioner in spec? check the three little marks on top of the tensioner and see if it is still in range under tension.
but it could just be the tensioner itself making the noise. is the tensioner in spec? check the three little marks on top of the tensioner and see if it is still in range under tension.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
One way I have found to locate any noise is to get a long screw driver or pry bar and while the motor is running, put the handle to your ear and move from one part to another, putting the metel end against that part and listening , you can hear very clearly if that part is making the noise or not..this sort of works the same as a stetascope..Good luck...WW
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 0
One way I have found to locate any noise is to get a long screw driver or pry bar and while the motor is running, put the handle to your ear and move from one part to another, putting the metel end against that part and listening , you can hear very clearly if that part is making the noise or not..this sort of works the same as a stetascope..Good luck...WW
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
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
yeah the bearing in the water pump is designed to let you know it is going bad which is normally a high pitched squeal. also it will spit water from the weep hole on top of the pump.
but it could just be the tensioner itself making the noise. is the tensioner in spec? check the three little marks on top of the tensioner and see if it is still in range under tension.
but it could just be the tensioner itself making the noise. is the tensioner in spec? check the three little marks on top of the tensioner and see if it is still in range under tension.
thank you bous6...
I too noticed that horrible loud sound and I saw water spitting out... thank you for sharing. Just got me a 1991 convertible 6spd. Quasar blue L98. Was 44,800miles now 49,400miles. Keep posting tips for us c4 newbees..
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
...it's not the funnest job on a c4...
Welcome to the Forum and enjoy your '91; these 6-speeds are a blast to drive.
