metallic clinking at front of engine.

[gsdog2]

I'm trying to locate this strange noise coming from the front of the engine. It almost sounds like a bearing or something behind the timing gear cover. I thought it was the water pump, checks ok; smog pump is ok; not the A/C pump. It only occurs when I first push the accelerator, pings and pops a little more, then stops as the rpm's get higher. It's a high pitched metallic sound, almost a screaching ping, from something that is turning. Sounds like something is clanking against each other. The engine was rebuilt about 2 years ago. I used a stick to determine I really think it is coming from behind the main belt pulley thingy. Is there even a bearing in there somewhere? Any help is appreciated. When I had the water pump belt off to eliminate things, the noise stopped upon giving it throttle, as if tension was off the main pulley, if this helps.

 

[Heartworm]

The "main" pulley is the harmonic balancer. Are you sure that it is tight? As I recall, the belt that drives the water pump also runs the air pump. Do either of them make a noise when you spin them with the belt off? Make certain that the Harmonic balancer is on tight, real tight, because if that comes off, it will wreck a lot of stuff. Have you tried lubricant on the fan belt? Just ideas, I don't really have a clue.

 

[Heartworm]

Any chance that your motor mount is bad and it is the fan hitting the shroud?

 

[gsdog2]

How much is this gonna cost me?!

I spent all day changing the water pump because I thought the noise was from it, but it wasn't; but at least I now have an OEM pump in there. I exchanged the smog pump also (warranty). I'll go check the motor mounts. But it is definitely metal on metal. I guess I can take the oil pan off and look in there, maybe something came loose. The funny thing is it didn't happen until after I got back from Death Valley 2 weeks ago and riding on all those very washboardy roads; beat the truck to death.

 

[2mbb]

When my power steering pump pulley was loose I got a sound, but more of a "wugga-wugga", not what you describe.

x2 on the fan hitting the shroud. Check for wear on the tips of the fan blades.

 

[cruiser88]

Did you take one belt off at a time(and start it) to isolate the problem before changing parts?

 

[gsdog2]

Yeah, that's why I thought it was the water pump because after I removed the belt, the single 'clank' stopped. But, when I put it all back together with a new pump, it was back. I then did the AC pump and smog pump. I just didnt do the power steering since I swear it was coming from the bottom front of the engine. The engine runs perfect and smooth, so I don't know if some bearing on the crankshaft or timing gear would cause it to run poorly, then I could eliminate things. I guess the main reason I'm trying so hard to find it is I don't have the $$$$ it will cost to take it to a shop,,It's either gonna be a really small thing or it's gonna be a really big fix. I have video of the noise, but can't figure how to post it.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Put the video on youtube then post the link up here.

 

[gsdog2]

Ok, video is now uploading on youtube.......standby.

 

[gsdog2]

Here is the first of two audio's I took...this one is from the top of the engine, the noise is not at pronounced as video from the bottom (which is still being processed by youtube) but you can hear the 'clank' whenever I throttle the engine.

YouTube - fj60 metallic knocking noise

 

[gsdog2]

Here is the second video, taken at night so nothing can be seen but you can hear the sound louder underneath....that squealing sound is the new smog pump; they said it could take up to 500 miles to break in; but you can distinctly hear the noise over the squeal.....

YouTube - fj60 metallic knocking noise

 

[GLTHFJ60]

It might just be me, but whatever clunk there is doesn't sound that serious.

 

[gsdog2]

bump for some more replies

 

[Tofudebeest]

It isn't piston slap or rod knock. Good lookin' pup...