Clicking Noise Front of the Engine (Fixed)

[toplessexpat]

Now we've identified the right part that appears to be being vocal (!)

Yes - look HARD for a shiny mark on the pulley - it could be very small. Rivets could also be a possibility. It could also be a sound from somewhere deeper that resonates along that nice springy pointer that's only attached at one end.

Out of interest - how've you been timing the car if you weren't aware that this was the timing pointer?

[FiatMac]

Timing Mark bracket riveted on? Rivets loose?

Timing pointer is bolted on. Should be able to tighten if loose.

Observations:
Noise appears to occur on deceleration (only after engine speed has dropped to lower speed), but not on acceleration. Also possibly at low unsteady rpm. Period of knock is not once per revolution and is not constant.

Question:
Is the noise present with the engine disengaged from the transmission (clutch pedal depressed)?

[Rambo]

Thanks so much for everyones help and advice. To answer the questions:

Timing Mark bracket riveted on? Rivets loose?

The timing mark bracket is tight and has no movement.

Now we've identified the right part that appears to be being vocal (!)

Yes - look HARD for a shiny mark on the pulley - it could be very small. Rivets could also be a possibility. It could also be a sound from somewhere deeper that resonates along that nice springy pointer that's only attached at one end.

Out of interest - how've you been timing the car if you weren't aware that this was the timing pointer?

I removed the gaurd and got underneath to get a good look at things. There were no shiny marks on the pulley. Ive actually never had to do a timing belt yet so i havent figured all the timing stuff out quite yet.

Timing Mark bracket riveted on? Rivets loose?

Timing pointer is bolted on. Should be able to tighten if loose.

Observations:
Noise appears to occur on deceleration (only after engine speed has dropped to lower speed), but not on acceleration. Also possibly at low unsteady rpm. Period of knock is not once per revolution and is not constant.

Question:
Is the noise present with the engine disengaged from the transmission (clutch pedal depressed)?

When choked on warmup and the engine is at 1500-2000 the noise can happen on steady RPM. Although when fully warm and at 900 RPM, i have to raise to atleast 1500 and drop for the noise to appear and the noise will never appear unless i decel. Noise is present with the transmission engaged and dis-engaged

I am really stumped with my findings today. The pulley does not appear to hit the bracket yet the bracket is the only place I can detect the noise. I will have to inspect everything visually in detail tommorow and if no problems it must be internal. Yet if it was internal im not sure why it would sound so external like it does. Im not an expert on whats under there but is it possible that there could be a problem under the timing belt cover?

[131]

Remove the alternator belt and see if you still have the noise, that will at least remove the alternator and water pump from the equation. Don't run it too long as you'll have no coolant circulating.

[So Cal Mark]

sounds like the crank pulley is loose, that will ruin the pulley and key pretty quickly

[Rambo]

sounds like the crank pulley is loose, that will ruin the pulley and key pretty quickly

How do you tell whether or not the crank pulley is loose?

Remove the alternator belt and see if you still have the noise, that will at least remove the alternator and water pump from the equation. Don't run it too long as you'll have no coolant circulating.

Does the alternator belt just pull off?

Sorry for these simple questions.

[toplessexpat]

Loosen the alternator top bolt. You can edge it in a fraction and take the tension off the belt and slip it off. Reverse to replace.

While it's off - worth wriggling the crank pulley to see if there's some motion.

[Rambo]

Loosen the alternator top bolt. You can edge it in a fraction and take the tension off the belt and slip it off. Reverse to replace.

While it's off - worth wriggling the crank pulley to see if there's some motion.

Ok, thanks so much. That will be tomorrows project.

[Rambo]

Ok removed the accesory belt. I had to loosen both alternator bolts to move the alternator. There is no noise with the belt removed. The crank pulley does not appear to have any noticeable play in it.

[toplessexpat]

And with the belt back on does the noise return?

[Rambo]

I havent re-installed the belt yet. Is there a particular torque spec on the alternator bolts?

[So Cal Mark]

check the crank pulley with a socket, attempting to wiggle it by hand will only tell you that it's ready to fall off

[RRoller123]

Here are some useful torque specs for you:

Pete

[Rambo]

check the crank pulley with a socket, attempting to wiggle it by hand will only tell you that it's ready to fall off

Whats the socket size and extension length for the pulley? I don't have anything that big nor the right extension lenght to fit in between the radiator.

[Rambo]

I ran the motor today and there is definetly no noise without the accessory belt. That leads me to beileve that it cant be the crank pulley as its always moving. So i guess that leaves the water pump and the alternator.