I have 1985 GSL-SE... no A/C, no P/S, no Air pump... something starts howling at about 3300 RPM... it seems to be worse now that I put a new belt on... tight...

How can I determine that it's not the water pump or the alternator bearing that's howling and not the belt slipping?

I don't currently have a dual alt pulley installed. And I am concerned maybe rubber from previous slippage has made for lack of grip on the pulleys... not damn sure tho...

Driving me NUTS!!!!

Any thoughts would be appreciated...

Jon
Michigan

 

If a belt starts slipping or wearing out, it tends to squeel, atleast to my FB. If you were running a yoohoo belt, you could just take off the alternator belt to see if the noise is still there. Not there - alternator, still there = water pump. I wouldnt know how to tell on a dual alt pully though. Describe the "howling"

 

Just take the belt off, start it, rev it, listen. Turn it off, put the belt back on.

 

If he takes the belts off, how would he find out if it was water pump or alternator?

 

yea dont take the belt off.
i have the same problem on my se and replaced the alt. but that didnt help.
gona try the water pump next.

 

In order to listen for internal sounds, either get a mechanic's stethoscope or just use a screwdriver. Put the blade of the screwdriver where you think the sound is coming from and then put the handle end at your ear (I usually put it on top of the small piece that covers the ear canal so it's resting on the bone there). Obviously you will need a long screwdriver to do this (unless you enjoy being close to moving parts).

 

My exhaust howls at around 3k rpm, but it sounds more like a ringing than anything. must be that stupid magnaflow. Check your belts and waterpump.

 

you know, this sounds a lot like my problem. "84 GSL being held back". I hadn't thought of a water pump making the sound. Please let me know what you find out on your RX. Mine is making a howling kind of sound at around 3000 RPM's, but also won't rev over 4000. Sound like yours?

 

Jon,
Normally a Alt,or water pump do not make a howling sound. It is more of a metallic rumbling. A stuck fan clutch can make a howling noise.

If a water pump was that bad it would have slop in the bearing. Recommend that you grab the fan blade side to side and see what kind of play you have.

To check the fan clutch, spin the fan when the engine is cold, there should be little resistance. If the fan barely turns or only turns a 1/4 to 1/2 turn then it is bad.

As far as the alternator goes, you can disconnect the belt and spin the pulley. If there is a problem with the bearing in the alternator you will hear it.

Also, Can you hear the noise when sitting there revving up the engine? Or is it only when you are driving it?