I'm getting a whirring noise from the fan belt/cam belt area. I have a 1.8 (escort) zetec. The noise increases and decreases with engine RPM. Is it a knackered water pump? Or a bearing on a tensioner??

Not sure how to test any of these things


Thanks
Dan

My first suspect would be the water pump bearing. You could always remove the drivebelt and see if the noise disappears as this runs the water pump / alternator. Dont run it long though as you wont have proper cooling.

First guess would be water pump, second would be alternator.

Try taking the belt off and seeing which one "feels" rougher.

Cheers

Rich

Just looking at water pumps on ebay... can i get one with new idler pulleys? or are they all water pump only? And where would i get the pulleys?

I like to make a job of it when i'm replacing old for new


Thanks
Dan

Had a recent (6 months or so) alternator. I'm not saying your wrong. But had it on the pinto before conversion and it seemed ok (charging, no noises etc)

Just spun the pump by hand (removed it). It spins but not for long maybe 4-5 revolutions. Not excessive play but some. Maybe i'd notice against a newer one?

I'm running bike carbs (never had any before) Do they Whirr?? *stabs in dark*


Dan

[Edited on 15/2/10 by dan8400]

[Edited on 15/2/10 by dan8400]

Use an automotive stethescope. You should be able to tell used one which bearing is noisy.

Never heard of one of those lol. Do i have to heat the end with my breath before use

Where do you get them from? Auto-factors?

Dan

Has this only just started to happen or have you done anything to the engine or anciliary's?

My first zetec and first time on bike carbs. Winter project on the tiger. Only just got her running and noticed a strange noise.

Using the same alternator i had in the pinto system. Changed the pulley for the ribbed type and got a short belt. All fits up well.


Dan

If you replace the water pump then you have to take the cambelt off.

If you decide to replace the cambelt then get it as the full cambelt kit (comes with new pulleys / tensioner spring etc) - the pulleys can get brittle with age and may fail if not replaced due to the extra tension of a new belt.

cambelt kit

To be honest if you arent sure of the age of the engine bits then its worth peace of mind replacing the water pump and full cambelt kit. Should be around or just over £120 for the parts. Dont forget the water pump gasket


[Edited on 15/2/10 by Steve G]

Automotive stethoscope.....

A big one of these - put the sharp end on the suspect bearing housing and put your ear on the other end. You'll be suprised what you can hear

You can used a screwdriver but i find the real thing alot better, plus they are so cheap to buy. Most tool shops/motor factors will either have them in stock or can get them for you very quickly.

Stethescope

[Edited on 15/2/10 by Davegtst]

Had it all to bits this morning... turns out it's the main tensioner pulley. Will hardly turn by hand and is very notchy when it does. Water pump seems ok, but will change it while it's in bits.

Cam belt kit with pulleys and tensioners came in at £72 from my local motor factors.

Thanks for the replies

Dan