Warbling noise - crankshaft pulley (i think)

[geoff eeles]

18076Circled in red is the housing for the crankshaft pulley, on the drivers side part of the engine. Between 1000 and 2000 RPM under load and on idle, there is a very noticeable warbling noise like a bird, it is more noticeable when driving and the RPM's reduce. The timing belt was changed in February 2012 with a new tensioner and metal water pump. I am informed that the pulley/cog has gone and might need replacing.

Is this a good diagnosis or could it be more serious?

[towcestervag]

never known the pulley go!
i would suspect that the belt tension is too tight or whoever done the job for you didnt fit a kit and the tensioner or idlers are noisy?

[geoff eeles]

it was fitted with a kit

[Doctle Odd]

It could be the alternator pulley its easy to check. Take of the aux belt and put a lollypop stick or pencil etc into the alternator to jam the blades. turn the pulley both ways it should turn anti-clockwise only when vied from the belt end. if won't turn both ways the pulley should be replaced

[geoff eeles]

Paul, you said it should only turn anti-clock wises, then say if wont turn both ways the pulley should be replaced???? do you mean with and with out the lollipop stick in it?

[Doctle Odd]

The stick, pencil or whatever is used to jam the alternator. then try to turn the pulley it should turn anti-clockwise but not clockwise as you look at the pulley face on. you don't need much force it either turns or the clutch inside it is toast. I use a stick, really an ice lolly stick, so i don't have to disconnect the battery which you should do really

[geoff eeles]

if it werre the alternator pulley, would the battery not charge properly, as this all seems fine?

[Crasher]

That is the camshaft pulley and it sounds like the belt has been set too tight, I hear these coming in the car park and know immediately what it is-its one of those noises like failed alternator pulleys, you just know.

[geoff eeles]

Crasher, i have some video with the sound in it but i cant upload it on this site. Got my bushes today, cheers.

[Crasher]

I followed the order through to make sure it was right. The noise is really distinctive but I find it hard to analogise. I know it when I hear it.

[Doctle Odd]

That is the camshaft pulley and it sounds like the belt has been set too tight, I hear these coming in the car park and know immediately what it is-its one of those noises like failed alternator pulleys, you just know.

best not drive it until its been sorted i

[geoff eeles]

ta for that, will have to wait until i get my new wheel nut key and a free weekend.

THe video of noise will be available to view at VimeUhOh (https://vimeo.com/49944469) in 30 minutes or so. The noise has been there for months and months has not got worse or better.

[geoff eeles]

If the pulley has been set too tight, is it an easy fix, or will it need a new belt kit and tensioner?

[Doctle Odd]

Are you talking about the cam belt tensioner or the drive belt tensioner? drive belt is automatic cam belt is semi automatic if it's set up properly

[geoff eeles]

cam belt tensioner. having it looked at next week while the clutch is being done. The cambelt has done about 15k since its been changed. Just trying to weigh the costs up as its an expensive month.

[Doctle Odd]

It should be good for 60k. I doubt it would still be running if it was over tightened maybe its loose? GL anyway the lack of wonga seems to be universal!