What's up. I have an 03 VDP, 60k miles

Tonight as I was driving home with the windows down I heard a rattling noise coming from under the hood. Heard it mostly while driving around my apartment complex looking for parking, and at idle. The engine was running regular temp.

I checked under the hood, sounds like its coming from the front area of the motor, maybe drivers side?

Things to note:

- Just changed the oil first time since I purchased it w 55k. I used 5w30 Valvoline synthetic

-Drove about 5 miles with the gas light on today for the first time, filled the tank up with 91 as always and heard the rattle as I got home

Figuring it's not the tensioners, any thoughts? Thank you

 

One more thing: I have been noticing a slight coolant smell for the last couple hundred miles. No leaks on the ground, checked what I could by just looking around under the hood, and didn't see any leak/residue. Coolant reservoir is also full.

 

With hood up and idling, listen for noise near the water pump. If you have a mechanics stethoscope, it will be easier. My bet: water pump or belt tensioner.

 

Jim is probably correct, also possibly the VVT.

You shouldn't have an issue with the tensioners in an 03, with the possible exception that the motor was replaced with an older used one at some point in it's life- only way to tell is to remove the cam covers (if you have any leaks from there, you should replace them anyway)

 

After listening again, I'm pretty sure it's the water pump. Planning on doing it this weekend. Gonna get it from the dealer, anything else I should probably get?/do

 

Maybe a new thermostat; is the belt good? Be careful with the belt tensioners, the often break at the bolt; new hoses, especially the the short one. I found the AC Delco water pump a better unit than others. Be very careful of the plastic hose from the refill tank to left rear of radiator -- very fragile and expensive (I disconnect mine and position it out of the way).

 

Remove the serp belt and run the engine briefly. If the noise is gone, it's in accessory. I had similar concerns but I found the power steering pully bolts were loose allowing the pully to slap against the pump. Thank you horrible previous backyard mechanic... Good luck!

 

I'm gonna go with the airtex water pump.. My original bolts will fit with it, right?

 

They will. But replacement Airtex I had leaked. AC Delco didn't and was cheaper. While the hoses are off check the crossover pipe; with miles and age it begins to crumble.

 

Ok.. Changed the water pump today. But there's still a rattle once the engine has warmed up. I'm thinking of doing the serpentine pulley and belt next. Any thoughts?

 

*tensioner pulley^

 

I'm struggling with a noise that is more intermittent.

Two questions :

1) Have you considered recording the noise, posting it on youtube, and linking to it here?

2) Have you tried removing the drivebelt as already suggested?

Here is mine. It only happens under load, during warmup.

 

Finally found and fixed the problem. Removed the belt and had the same problem as Corey. The power steering was loose. Weird cuz it loosened before I even touched the water pump/ serp belt.

Corey has yours been good since you tightened it?

 

What do you mean by the power steering was loose? Do you mean the pump was loose on the bracket? The power steering has many components.

 

Oops. Yeah, the pump was loose

 

Clean / wire brush bolts, spray with starting fluid or carb cleaner.

Apply loctite blue and use torque wrench.

To remove you can use a little heat from a propane torch / mapp gas torch to soften the locktite.

Typical procedure if you own a Harley.

Wally C.

03 XJ8

 

Jaguar addressed this over a decade ago.
You should check the bolts whenever the drive belt is inspected.
I have found the PAS pulley bolts loose on several cars.

bob gauff