Diagnosing weird sound from engine bay

[sfkjeld]

The sound is a low level clatter. Audible when at idle and low rpm in first gear. I think it only becomes inaudible because it is drowned out by normal engine sounds. It occurs to me now that it could be a failing water pump bearing. Does this seem likely if there are no coolant leaks? My first theory was a chain tensioner..... do they make a noise if failing?

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by sfkjeld

The sound is a low level clatter. Audible when at idle and low rpm in first gear. I think it only becomes inaudible because it is drowned out by normal engine sounds. It occurs to me now that it could be a failing water pump bearing. Does this seem likely if there are no coolant leaks? My first theory was a chain tensioner..... do they make a noise if failing?

Heat shield?

Manual or Tip? If it's manual, when you're in 1st, obviously your clutch would be depressed. If that's the case, I'd also suspect the throwout bearing. Try pressing and releasing the clutch and see if the noise changes.

[sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Heat shield?

Possible I guess, but the sound doesn’t change with rpm as I think it would if it were a vibration. It sounds more like marbles in a coffee can, but not very loud or tinny sounding. I’d love to hear if these water pumps fail like this. Or chain tensioners. I think I had an old Alfa with a bad water pump that may have sounded vaguely like this. But it leaked coolant. Thank you for the suggestion.

[sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Heat shield?

Manual or Tip? If it's manual, when you're in 1st, obviously your clutch would be depressed. If that's the case, I'd also suspect the throwout bearing. Try pressing and releasing the clutch and see if the noise changes.

It is a manual. The clutch has no bearing so to speak, on the sound. Sounds exactly the same whether in gear, clutch in or out, or neutral. Thank you for the thought tho. I appreciate it. Cheers.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by sfkjeld

It is a manual. The clutch has no bearing so to speak, on the sound. Sounds exactly the same whether in gear, clutch in or out, or neutral. Thank you for the thought tho. I appreciate it. Cheers.

Ah, I was under the impression it only did it in 1st.

[blueflames]

"It sounds more like marbles in a coffee can" ... IMS

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by blueflames

"It sounds more like marbles in a coffee can" ... IMS

Has this happened to you? It would be awesome if the IMS gave warning signs like that. All I've heard that it goes with no warning.

What I've read is that maybe it makes a strange sound for a sec or two then kaboom!