noisy engine

[chaswor]

I have a 1995 4.3 Alpha One which has been trouble free for years. Launched yesterday. When in neutral or at slow speed the engine makes a loud noise. It souds like it's from the belts/pulleys but its a high metallic sound rather than a squeeking sound I normally associate with a belt/pulley issue. At higher rpm the noise goes away. Also can't get the starter to crank consistantly. Any thoughts on what the noise could be?

 

[CaptRon66]

Re: noisy engine

If you start the engine with the belt off you'll know if it's coming from an accessory. Only run very briefly or else you will overheat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: noisy engine

If you start the engine with the belt off you'll know if it's coming from an accessory. Only run very briefly or else you will overheat.

Ayuh,... Or loosen the belts, 'n hand spin things to see which is Bad...

 

[searay3]

Re: noisy engine

If the accessory drives seem ok after the hand spin test, remove the outdrive and fire it off for a few seconds, see if the noise is till there. that will isolate motor or drive issue. Drive should be pulled yearly and ujoints/gimble greased as well as inspected for water or drive oil in the bellows.

 

[chaswor]

Re: noisy engine

Well it turned out to be a bad starter...not sure why the unusual noise. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: noisy engine

Maybe the spring that pushes the starter gear away from the flywheel crapped out. Then the starter gear could hit the flywheel. Had that problem on a snowmobile. However it only happened at HIGH rpms... But maybe...................