Squeak and Whine on engine

[hawkdoc60]

Cherry Bomb developed a high pitched whine and an obnoxious squeak that I can't troubleshoot. The squeak is a steady squeak that does not seem to be dependent on the RPM of the engine. The whine on the other hand, increases and decreases depending on the engine speed.

What I have ruled out thus far:

Water pump--I used the stethescope with probe on the water pump housing while running and it is quiet. Also, the shaft gets no hotter than the engine.

Timing belt tensioner--Again it is quiet with the stethescope.

Alternator--Quiet with stethescope and it was tested on and off the car by Advane Auto parts with no problems with bearings.

Alternator belt--Belt was changed and tensions varied with no change in whine.

Now for the squeak: It repeats itself in threes, meaning "SQUEAK, squeak, squeak, SQUEAK, squeak, squeak" It is coming from the crankshaft area. I tested this by runing the engine for a few moments with the alternator belt off. The whine disappears with the alternator belt off, too. This tells me I have two seperate issues.

My big fear is the oil pump is about to go out on me. It is the oil pump that came on the crate engine, but the gaskets that came with it were all dry-rotted, so I wouldn't be surprised if the oil pump is faulty.

I truly hate to admit defeat, as I usually can figure these things out, but I am completely stumped. I have to tap out on this one.

[JoDan]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by whining noise, but when I changed my alternator belt I got one of those Goodyear razorback belts and my car makes kind of a "whining" noise now, so if thats what your belt is then that could be it, idk tho.

[hawkdoc60]

I am pretty sure the whine may be belt related, but it is VERY noticeable and just started a few days ago. It almost sounds like I have jet engine speeding up and slowing down as I drive and change gears. LOL

[JoDan]

I am pretty sure the whine may be belt related, but it is VERY noticeable and just started a few days ago. It almost sounds like I have jet engine speeding up and slowing down as I drive and change gears. LOL

Thats exactly what mine sounds like and it didn't do it until I changed my belts with those Goodyear belts. I don't really mind the noise because I think it sounds kinda cool lmao.

[FB71]

Carl,

I did get your PM, I've been contemplating this for a bit... I doubt the oil pump is developing an issue, unless the issue is lack of lube. But, that's kinda hard to happen in an oil pump... I would pull the timing belt cover and check the tensioner. I've heard them squeak and squeal quite a bit. Also, listen to the distributor. I've had them go dry, and their squealing telegraphs throughout the engine.

I concur on the belt. Is the belt older? I've had belts make similar noises when they start to dryrot, or get oil contaminated.

[econoaddict]

I currently have my tiva apart changing the oil pump for the exact same noise.

I removed the alt belt, still had noise, replaced t-belt & tensioner twice just in case, still had noise. Chased all over the place with an electronic ear and a stethescope, could hear it loud and clear with alt belt and timing covers removed. Start engine and put stethescope right above the crankshaft pulley on the oil pump, very very loud. It got so bad I had to turn it off to order at a drive thru

If you need a pic of it apart just yell, hopefully my gaskets will be in sometime monday so I can start putting it back together.

[FB71]

^^^ wow! I've never heard an oil pump do that before! Great hunting! Well, Carl, looks like you might have your answer.

[hawkdoc60]

Thanks guys. My worst fears may be confirmed after all. I will check the oil pump with the sthescope as soon as I can get the timing covers off.

[mechanicaldj]

i am figuring if it is the oil pump,
you may want to look at the crankshaft main bearings too

[Bathtub Tom]

Can you get hold of a kids water pistol and gently wet each belt in turn with the engine running.
Any change in note will give you a clue if it's a belt.

[worfdog]

I've been watching this thread because my 88 is doing the same. Mine started about 6 weeks ago,did all the same trouble shooting as you and came to the conclusion that it had to be the oil pump, but i can't see how because it has oil in it and shouldn't squeak. I guess i will have to put one in. The pumps are not the cheapest thing in the world, but that's the way it goes.

I've kept on driving it because everything seems fine except that dang squeaking.

[jglutz]

I'm also very surprised that it would be the oil pump. The front main bearing would be more likely. In any case the oil pan has to be dropped...I would check the relief valve in the oil pump once the pan is dropped...the relief valve is held in by a cotter pin... beyond the cotter pin is a little washer the spring and the the seat (seal). I'm wondering if the seat is damaged or blocked and the oil is screaming past it.

The pump is essentially submerged...how would something submerged in oil make noise?

[FestYboy]

the pump is NOT submerged, it has a pickup that is submerged, but the oil pump gear itself mearly has oil running through it. most likely what the issue is side loading. the outer ring of the pump is offset to the centerline of the crank, and if for some reason, that rings outer surface runs dry, you can have it eat into the pump housing creating a gap between the teeth that can result in noise. i'll have to see if i have any pics of the oil pump when it was apart to illustrate.

[jglutz]

I knew someone would pick up on that...I said....

The pump is essentially submerged

If it was not flooded with oil....the engine would be trash by now.

leave it to festyboy to call me out!

[yutz]

i had a noise of the same sound coming from my bottom pulley. i had the timing belt changed by this one mechanic (mistake) then it started to make the sound .i took it to another mechanic he pulled the cover and noticed the spacer was not trued. so it was rubbing against the belt. he took it apart trued the spacer that was last year .no more noise.hope this helps. joey g