Weird sound, still there...

[Sabz5150]

Last time I posted, nobody had an answer to this... so here we go again.

My engine is making a weird gear-like noise that changes pitch with RPM. Think straight cut tranny but not as loud. It makes the noise reguardless of whether the transmission is engaged or not. From what I can tell, it's coming from the front of the engine, and it started after I replaced my timing belt.

Since then, I've replaced my tensioner, front crank seal, alternator and water pump to no avail. I haven't had any overheating issues or loss of oil pressure. The engine runs damn good too, it just makes that annoying noise.

Anybody have this issue? Can ya tell me how to clear it up?

[k-roy]

Try removing your power steering and A/C belts to see if thats what it is.
When you did your timing belt did you remove the cam?

[Sabz5150]

Try removing your power steering and A/C belts to see if thats what it is.
When you did your timing belt did you remove the cam?

I know not of this 'power steering' and 'A/C' you speak of.

My alternator/water pump belt has been replaced, it's brand new. I didn't remove the cam when I did the belt either. The only thing I can see it being is the belt itself. Is there anything special you're supposed to do to it before it gets installed?

[A20A1]

I was going to say it was from the speedometer cable, where it connects to the trans... try removing it and see if the sound goes away, just don't lose the clip.

it's not too tight or too loose is it?

I usually make the belts looser then they are supposed to be, only when the motor gets water up by the pully does it ever slip.

maybe the grooves of the belt is different...?

you didn't use belt dressing did you?

[Sabz5150]

I was going to say it was from the speedometer cable, where it connects to the trans... try removing it and see if the sound goes away, just don't lose the clip.

it's not too tight or too loose is it?

I usually make the belts looser then they are supposed to be, only when the motor gets water up by the pully does it ever slip.

maybe the grooves of the belt is different...?

you didn't use belt dressing did you?

It'll do it in neutral with the clutch pushed in.

The belts are normal tension. I'd run it without the drive belt, but that would be a whole lotta bad.

And WTF is belt dressing?

[A20A1]

it's a spray people use to refresh the rubber, but i think it weakens it...

It's kinda like adding that tire spray to make your tires look new...

[k-roy]

I know not of this 'power steering' and 'A/C' you speak of.

Excelent.
Aerosols break down rubber, thats why I don't like belt dressing.
Try running the car for 10 seconds (cold engine) without your belt to diagnose that. I don't see any damage that could cause.

The reason I was asking about the cam is because the cam caps might be undertightened. You should check over the timing belt cover to see if its on 100% correct, you don;t want that rubbing.

[A20A1]

what about a pully not being tightened all the way... timing belt isn't off a tooth?

Valves needing adjustment?

Did you loosen any of the crank bolts to replace the seal?

Do you leave the lower and upper timing belt cover off, I normally do so i can watch the timing belt, just in case...

[shepherd79]

i am going to to say your valves may be need to be adjusted.
it is hard to say what the noice could be. the only thing you haven't mentioned was oil pump.
did the noise started after you replaced the tensioner? it could be the tensioner too.

[nswst8]

Alot of the time the after changing timing belt people get the tension to tight or just don't do the tension step.
1st check the travel path of the Timing belt over the cam gear it should be dead center and not trying to travel foward or back. You put a new cam gear on did you compare it to the old one for size and round and flush with a level surface.
With the sound your describing it leads me to over tensioned belt. If you have a mechanics stethascope or piece of hose or long screw driver you can use these devices to probe for the sounds originating point.
Hope this helps.

[Civvy]

Is your dizzy bearings dry? i've recently had this.
Could just be coincidental something else started being a problem when you did your cambelt