Hi all- When the car is in drive, it has started making a whirling sound. No other gears make the sound. As I start going the sound seems to go away. Interestingly it appears to come from under me, not the engine compartment. A/C and/or heater off, radio off...Ideas? Thanks so much as always.

 

from the limited info it sounds like gearbox, have you noticed any leaks?

Have you listened with the door open (foot on brake) when shift into drive?

 

Sean. Got it in my garage now, seems it is really coming from the waterpump (brand new, 100 miles) area. Could it be that or the belt tensioner pully?

 

Sorry about the first post. I was convinced it was coming from underneath. Once I got it in the garage, I can clearly hear it in the front of the engine.

 

hmm, it's one of those two, is everything running straight on the belt, no wondering belt?
Is the tensioner smooth or is it jumping a little, I ask as it's an easy job to change the bearing within and cheaper than replacing the pulley - putting drive load on the system sounds like the bearing...
I've posted the replacement bearing code (not to hand unfortunately) it's remove, knock out with socket, knock in with socket, refit.

 

All straight. Listening for the sound...it really seems to come from the waterpump! If I didn't just replace, I would say that is it. Hoping for something else, bad waterpump, how likely is that? Hoping it was the bearing, seems a easy fix.

 

When did you first hear the sound? Also, what all did you replace at the time of the water pump?

 

First heard it today Bob. It seems to go in and out depending on giving it gas, comes back at idle. I just replaced with an Airtek waterpump two months ago. Wondering now if I should have gone with the more expensive waterpump, however others on the forum have had no issues with Airtek. You have thoughts on this?

 

More info I just thought of. I also replaced the t-stat housing when I replaced the pump. The one I got was "rough cut" metal housing, that was also difficult because had to smooth out some of the threads for the top and edges. After install had some leaks around the top. I mention this because one thread indicated that coolant may enter other parts and dry them up. What are the chances I have ruined other parts, including the pump with coolant spray on it/them? Sorry for the long post, don't know if this is important, figured you guys love info. Thanks guys (gals too)

 

I had one of those rough cast Thermostat Housings supplied by British Parts in the UK. Sent it back because the Thermostat Housing Cover wouldn't screw on properly owing to badly cut threads. (they replaced it immediately with the usual smooth cast pattern and refunded my double shipping costs so no complaints about their customer service)

If you had leaking coolant spraying over the engine before you got yours properly sealed, it has probably got on the Serpentine Belt. Once the belts have had coolant on them they start to squeak on startup. Could this be the noise you can hear?

Graham

 

I have been able to hear it with head stuck close to the waterpump, the noise, a whirling sound does seem to come from that area, no squeaks. Thanks for the idea Graham. Since it comes and goes, might be difficult to be sure that it is the pump. Might just have to replace it to be sure, hate to see the pump go on me. Don't know what a failing pump sounds like.

 

Sound is annoying me. Think I will check the water pump. At idle, it whirles, as sonn as you add a slight amount of gas it goes away. Any thoughts? If it was the water pump wouldn't the noise increase with rpm?

 

Update. The sound is getting worse (more often) think I am going for the bearing first, then new pump again. Sean B suggested I could just replace the bearing rather the new belt tensioner. Should I also do the belt? Hmmm.

 

as soon as you remove the belt to service the bearing, you will be able to turn the waterpump by hand. if it feels at all rough, then it is the waterpump.

 

Thanks Plums. I will remove the belt and feel the pump, if that feels good then I will assume the bearing. I know Sean B posted a bearing code at some point, I'll need to look that code up from his prior posts and order. You guys are very helpful, Thanks!

 

I have this exact same problem on my 2001 XJ8 - did you ever figure out what it was?

 

Never did. Still comes and goes, but now when it does return seems quieter. If you figure it out, please post. I will stay on it too.

 

Spend a couple of bucks and buy a mechanics stethoscope to find where the bad bearings are.

I had miserable luck with a replacement Airtek pump: constant leaks, replaced everything, including TStat housing (what a bitch to tighten rear bolts!), only to find it was my "new" wp that was leaking. Switched to AC Delco, water tight, no noise, no antifreeze smell.

 

Jim, I will be doing same. Thanks for the update.