New noise from engine

[theholycow]

What is that sound? It comes from the engine, follows the engine RPM, comes and goes randomly. It started yesterday after an hour of smooth driving and would go away if I put it in neutral and let it get down to idle. This morning in the cold it did made the noise a lot until it warmed up. It sounds a little rougher in person, but not quite like a plastic gear grinding. Stereo is off and it's definitely not coming from the speakers.

Shorter video where it was recorded better:


Longer video where you can hear the way it follows engine RPM:

[mtheis]

Well, I'd guess that you either recently installed a turbine engine or you have issues with your alternator.

[theholycow]

I'd love if it turns out to just be the alternator.

On another forum I got these suggestions: serpentine belt, idler, power steering fluid, belt tension or noise from tensioner itself.

I would LOVE for it to be any of these things. Easy and cheap FTW. Especially if it turns out to be maintenance that I should have done anyway!

[IMBoring25]

Anything plugged into the power point?

[theholycow]

I've got a million electric accessories, but I don't think any were receiving power at that time. If I found something that was, how could it have been involved?

[Rope-Pusher]

I'd love if it turns out to just be the alternator.

On another forum I got these suggestions: serpentine belt, idler, power steering fluid, belt tension or noise from tensioner itself.

I would LOVE for it to be any of these things. Easy and cheap FTW. Especially if it turns out to be maintenance that I should have done anyway!

Sounz like belt tummy. pop it off and run w/o the belt to verify? Also, when belt is off, czech pulley surfaces for knickz or chipz, check tensioners/idlers for smooth rotation, spin alternator & PS pump by hand.
Goodyear makes a gatorback belt that took care of belt noise on my daughter's cavalier. I still had to replace her idler and tensioner pulleys to get rid of the squeaking. You could feel a roughness when rotating the pulleys by hand - seals had let water in and the bearings were rusted.

[theholycow]

Good ideas.

The Gatorback is highly recommended in the truck forum.

[LHOswald]

i was the first one that posted here but it got deleted

i said either something is rubbing or its a belt

[Leedeth]

i was the first one that posted here but it got deleted

i said either something is rubbing or its a belt

Why the f**k would it get deleted?

[IMBoring25]

There's nothing in the logs.

[watkins]

i was the first one that posted here but it got deleted

Its because you suck.


I can also vouch for the Gatorback belts. Only parts store available belts I will run on my cars.

[Draklen]

I believe the car is trying to contact the mothership.


I have no idea.

[LHOswald]

I believe the car is trying to contact the mothership.

epic

[theholycow]

I believe the car is trying to contact the mothership.

If I don't fix the noise, will I get to fly it into orbit? Cool!

[watkins]