'91 5.0, whats wrong with my car?

[BoostFiend]

I haven't had time to really look into a problem that I have with my Notch. The other day I was driving home and I noticed a slight squealing sound along with a soft rattle/clank coming from under the hood. When I got home I popped the hood, listened a bit and shut her off. My conclusion was that a pulley was shot. I let her sit for a few days and yesterday decided to check into it a bit more. I went to start the car up and there was a horrible grinding/squealing sound coming from the motor, definately not a pulley. It was so bad I didn't even chance starting the car up. Any thoughts or ideas?

 

[youngone]

Are you sure it's not a pulley?? Did you remove the belt when you started it again??

 

[BoostFiend]

Are you sure it's not a pulley?? Did you remove the belt when you started it again??

No I didn't I will try that tomorrow. Thanks for the input.

 

[mblgjr]

Does it change with the clutch pedal? If so; go to the throwout bearing.

But drop the belt of for sure and run it momentarily to let yourself know if it's an idler or accessory making the noise.

 

[BoostFiend]

Does it change with the clutch pedal? If so; go to the throwout bearing.

But drop the belt of for sure and run it momentarily to let yourself know if it's an idler or accessory making the noise.

No it doesnt change. It also has a nearly brand new clutch and TOB. Less than 3k miles on it.

 

[youngone]

If the noise still continues after the belt is removed, replace the belt and start poking around with a stethoscope.

 

[garbonzo1991gt]

with the belt off... Have a look at the harmonic balancer. Could be a possible source. Ask me how I know... It knocked a hole in the timing cover as well which means you damn near have to take the whole front of the engine off... Made similar noises to what you're discribing. Any vibration in the engine? Would be pretty significant if it were the case. My second guess would be the TOB. Even if it is new. I've been through a few of those as well.

 

[BoostFiend]

Thanks for the tips guys, I will look at it this weekend when I get a chance.

 

[BoostFiend]

I took the belt off and the noise stoped. The only pullies that have any reistance are the alt and smog pump pulley. Seems as if 1 or both are bad. I was told the smog pump isn't supposed to have any more resistance than the water pump or p/s?

 

[Hockeyman48]

dont forget to look at idler / tensioner pulley

 

[FineLineMtrSprt]

Sure its not the alt going bad?

 

[BoostFiend]

Sure its not the alt going bad?

Both the Alt and Smog pump have quite a bit of resistance. The alt is pretty new, probably less than 5k miles but I know thats not an indicator. I haven't had a chance to work on it at all the pat few days. Thanks for the input.

 

[sscobra]

I will bet that it's your smog pump. I had one totally lock up 3 weeks ago. It made the exact same sound you described(same thought about it being the TOB first). Delete it if you can.

 

[garbonzo1991gt]

I can't speak for the smog pump being I never had one... But the alternator should have very little, if any, resistance. Could also be a source...