engine knock or rattle, search continues... FOUND IT! Options

[malcolm2]

Let me ask......

Has anyone had an Alternator that knocks?

I have been searching for a random knocking or rattle noise. I thought for sure it was internal, maybe a rod or piston. The sound is random tho. I figured an internal noise would be timed with rotation.

Also thought it was from the passenger side.

I spent lots of time under the car with a stethoscope this weekend and I would bet a nickel it is not internal. Seems to be the fan, fan housing, or alternator; 'cause with the scope on the fan housing or alt. I can really hear the random knock. On the block, anywhere, all I hear is a faint consistent click of valves thru the case.

The fan is torqued and aligned, the belt has proper tension and the alternator was rebuilt 7,000 miles ago prior to my first start. Not sure what all the rebuild included, but I will try to find out. Thinking bearings, maybe?

I have had one suggestion.... remove the fan belt and start the car and listen. Can't think of any problems with that. Are there any?

Any thoughts or comments very much welcomed.

Clark

[yeahmag]

Man... If that CHT is accurate on the "hot" video your heads are WAY hot. Have you checked the valve lash yet to see if there is anything funny there?

If you suspect the alternator I agree with Jerry. Remove the belt and see if the noise goes away. While you are at it make sure the fan hasn't come loose. That's a really strange sound on the "cold" video.

[era vulgaris]

Man... If that CHT is accurate on the "hot" video your heads are WAY hot. Have you checked the valve lash yet to see if there is anything funny there?

300F on the CHT? That's perfectly normal. If it were 400F, that would be cause for concern.

Why is your oil warning light on at the beginning of the "hot" video?

[malcolm2]

Man... If that CHT is accurate on the "hot" video your heads are WAY hot. Have you checked the valve lash yet to see if there is anything funny there?

300F on the CHT? That's perfectly normal. If it were 400F, that would be cause for concern.

Why is your oil warning light on at the beginning of the "hot" video?

.

Normal running CHT on this car is just below center of the gauge (350*F). Everything I read tells me that is normal. I have verified the gauge with an IR thermometer. The sender ring is under #3 spark plug.

On the HOT video, I had just returned home from work, about 20 minutes on the interstate.

OIL WARNING LIGHT: The sender has 2 connections, one for the light and one for the gauge. I hooked the OEM OP light (wire) to the VDO sender connection for the light. I also have a mechanical OP gauge in the engine compartment.

From all indications, the VDO sender lights the light at about 10 PSI. At warm or hot idle the green dash light will come on. But the mechanical gauge and the VDO show about 10 PSI. it is kind of annoying, but I have gotten used to it coming on at stop signs, etc...

I have read that that is normal. I would and will be concerned if the dash light comes on cruising down the interstate.

Thanks