Sup guys. Most likely I already know the answer here, but wanted some hivemind input before I tear into things. I've got a whining/whirring noise from the front cover. 500 miles so far on this fresh rebuilt motor.

Vids:


With all accessories off, it actually sounds louder to me:



I first wrote this off as a noisy alternator, PS, or accessory but removing the belts was clear we've got something greater here. Heart sank, went through the stages of rotary denial, etc. Now I'm pretty convinced that front cover needs to come off for inspection.

Things I believe I've ruled out:

Alt/water pump/power steering. There's no air pump on this thing.
Tested for vac leaks around the LIM and UIM junctions. Nothing found.
Trigger wheel isn't rubbing on anything.
Sound doesn't change with clutch in/out, makes me think it's not something back there.
Using the long screwdriver stethoscope method, whirring is coming from front cover area. The camera mic also really picks it up when you put it in front of the pulley.
Turbos are silent.

There were no chunks in the oil or filter but plenty of sheen (suspended micro particles) in the first two oil changes (one at 50mi and one at 250mi so far). I wrote that off to break-in, but now I'm definitely thinking twice. I got the rebuilt motor in a deal with the car, it's from a reputable engine builder and came straight from their workshop. As such I didn't ever pull the front 19mm crank bolt (I did pull the 4 10mm bolts to install banzai pulley). In hindsight I wish I would have checked endplay on the bench and paid closer attention to noises before putting any miles on it.

I of course suspect funkiness in the torrington or oil pump area judging by these symptoms, though I'm a rotary noob and highly value input of those who have been doing this for so long. I have stopped driving it immediately once I realized the sound is internal. 500 miles total so hopefully she's salvageable.

Appreciate input!

 

Oh man...Sucks to see.... but yeah, the front cover needs to come off.

Make sure you're careful removing the front hub bolt.
There are write-ups on removing it correctly, so the thrust bearing doesn't drop.

G/L

Steve

 

Thanks Steve! I'm already planning on exactly that, though you confirming that makes me feel better somehow. I stopped running it as soon as I realized it was from the motor and not an accessory, so hopefully I didn't damage anything else.

Here's a question, though. Pull the motor or do this in the car? I looked at a few guides and it definitely looks like it could be done in place, though pulling the motor would be easier to re-stack the front stack and set endplay, etc. Also I'll want to re-seal the pan while I'm in there.

 

I'd pull the motor for that job. It's just so much easier to re-stack, accurately check end play & reseal the pan when it's on an engine stand.

 

That is also the direction I'm leaning. Out she goes!

Thanks guys.

 

I've pulled the front cover in the car and out. IMPO its not really harder either way, but if you want to check endshaft play.... I wouldn't attempt that while the engine is in the car.

Hey, its not like this is some kind of V12 where you need a big ole hoist to pull the engine.