Front of motor noise

[GHarman]

Howdy!
Took Ugly on a trip to the range, the other day.
Coming back it was making a harmonic noise that was coming from under the hood.
Yesterday, when I did my trash run, the noise was noticeable on idle while warming up.
When I returned and shut it down, I checked the fan by gripping the blades at 2 and 10 o'clock and tried to wiggle the fan. There was a small amount of play.
I did not try the stethoscope to the water pump. Maybe next week?
So, any thoughts on this bug that seems to haunt Ugly? Are the clutch fans available?
I will probably have to remove the radiator to make the repair?
If so? It will be in my shop, most of the Winter:{
But if that is what it takes? :roll eyes:
Thanks for your replies!
GregH

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Check the fan clutch, fan hub bearing, serpentine belt tensioner bearing, water pump bearings. Also alternator bearings, AC clutch bearing.

 

[DVolk]

Id loosen the belt then start the engine and see if you hear any noise . It could be the fan clutch or alternator , possible fan clutch
, or the bearing in the fan hub , once you have the belt loose you can free turn items to see if it drags or has slop , it could be the ac condensor as well , unplug it to check it but can be the bearing on the outer side of it as well i had one seaze on my sisters grandcaravan

 

[HHhuntitall]

Personally, I'd take the belt off and spin the components, feeling for rough bearings.... Alternator is a big suspect, also considering known electrical problems you've had in the past. Fan clutch bearing is not as easy, but can be pressed in and out pretty quick with a press. Also, check the fan blades for cracks, they are prone to failure. It could be vibrating at speed, and if it comes apart it can cause a little radiator sculpting!! Most can be done without pulling the rad.....

 

[GHarman]

Thanks for all your input! I will check this out! Among the rest of the stuff I need to do!
I hate "mudpuddle" mechanic-ing, or in my case, Snow bank mechanic !
It would be really nice if it was something simple!
GregH

 

[JLEONARD]

If you remove the belt (real easy) and spin/wiggle the water pump, alternator, and tensioner pulley by hand I'll bet you'll find the culprit.

 

[GHarman]

HHhuntitall and JLeonard,
That is the place where I will start!

Thanks for everyones help!!
As soon as I can get a moment, I will pop off that serpentine belt and have at it!
Course this always happens when you are the least prepared!
Thanks Again, Gentlemen!
GregH

 

[GHarman]

OK, Gents!
I loosened the serpentine belt and found? Nothing that I could identify! Nothing was loose and the unloaded alternator turned with no effort or noise.
Next, reinstalled the serpentine belt (Man, I need a beer or a spiked coffee:eek That kills my back!)
Then, started the truck and let it idle for 5 minutes. During this time I listened to the alternator and AC pump using a wooden dowel as a stethescope. The alternator was definitely noisy.
The motor and everything was still cold. (Its 34*F outside with snow on the ground) I shut it off and climbed back up there into the engine compartment. Took my bare hands and laid them on the components. The back of the alternator was cold, the AC pump was cold, but the front of the alternator was warm. The water pump was cold.
The vibrating had not started yet, but there was a noise during idle that was not normal. I am thinking the front alternator bearing is on its last legs! To be able to tear this down and replace the alternator will take me a while. The Serpentine belt is in good shape! I regularly soak it with belt dressing. Heres hoping I found the culprit!
Do you think I am on the right track?
GregH

 

[JLEONARD]

It's a likely culprit, esp if there are some miles and years on it. And it's an easy R&R (estimated 2 beer job). However most of the time an alternator with a bearing going south will make a noise or feel "ratchety" when you spin it with the belt off. If it is the alternator you caught it very early.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Maybe the fan clutch bearings. BTW, I never use dressing on the serpentine belt.

 

[DVolk]

If you have a mini van alternator sitting around , it will bolt on and work fine just switch out the pully

 

[GHarman]

Maybe the fan clutch bearings. BTW, I never use dressing on the serpentine belt.

Mr. Donnelly,
Why do you not use belt dressing on the serpentine belt?
GregH

 

[JLEONARD]

I never use belt dressing on a serpentine belt either. It doesn't or shouldn't need that. Belt dressing is for a V belt that is slipping. The serpentine shouldn't be slipping. If it is then there is something awry.

 

[GHarman]

Question? Are the alternators on the '93 and the 91.5 Dodge/Cummins interchangeable?
If so, I have a replacement sitting, under the hood, in "Old Uglys" carcass!
GregH

 

[HCannon]

Could be your belt? Next time it does it, dash a cup of water on your belt. There could be some kind of reaction from the belt dressing.

 

[GHarman]

Thanks for your reply, HCannon.
I have been using a spray silicon dressing on my serpentine belts for years.
IMHO, this is something that would have been apparent at the onset, if it was the result of using the belt dressing.
My thinking is that he problem is a bearing on the alternator or other belt driven accessory.
We shall determine that for sure when I take both alternators down to the rebuilder to have them checked out.
GregH

 

[Bob4x4]

Serpentine belts do not like dressings.They work just fine for many miles out of the box.Dressings will normally make them noisey and weaken them in some cases.As Hcannon stated spray some water on the belt to find if belt is noisey.Now that your belt has been contaminated you should replace it and clean your pulleys.

 

[Bob4x4]

http://www.cartechbooks.com/techtips/serpbelt/
http://www.cartalk.com/content/today-should-you-dress-your-cars-belts

 

[GHarman]

Thanks BOB4X4,
I reckon I'll give the water spray a try. However, the silicon spray I use on my belts is not a "sticky" dressing.
We live at high altitude and rubber anything does not last long.
I have used this silicone spray on many a belt. Just to preserve the belt, not to "stop a belt from slipping"
When I inspected the serpentine belt, it was in excellent shape.
We'll see how it works out. It is a vibration that just became apparent, early last month.
The Belt is 4 years old with low miles. No cracks or chunks.
Thanks,
GregH

 

[GHarman]

Well its about time for an update! Ordered new serpentine belt from Genos. Good deal compared to local prices! Was thinking about trying the belt first but had a friend come over this afternoon who is a fine mechanic. Got a second+ opinion, first hand! He took a look at it and dropped off the serpentine belt. Checked the alternator and idler and then the belt tensioner. He was certain it is the belt tensioner pulley bearings!
They were definitely noisy!
So now we either find a new tensioner, or we salvage the one from old ugly's carcass.
GregH