Whirring noise from front of engine

[jonathan]

I have this strange noise sometimes from the front area near the accessories...most noticeable near alternator/waterpump/fan.

I'm not sure how to describe it but it sounds like wind rushing and gets progressively louder as revs go up. In the morning I won't hear it at all, but if I go in the gas station and start the car again it starts up again. You can also hear the noise whirring at idle.

I've recently replaced the fan and fan clutch so I don't think those are causing any problems. Is there something in the alternator that could be causing this noise?

I don't have a stethoscope, but I plan to buy one. However, I was hoping someone has experienced this before and could tell me where it's most likely coming from.


[Edit by jonathan on [TIME]1115949530[/TIME]]

[stuartinmn]

I was going to say it sounds like a bad fan clutch, but you've replaced that already. Hmm...was it a new fan clutch or a used one? If you still have the old one sitting around you could try putting it back on temporarily to see what happens.

[graphite]

the power steering pump makes noises when it starts to go.. and pretty much anything metal (long screwdriver, crowbar, wrenches etc) can be used as a stethoscope.. put one end on something and put your ear on the other end.. you'll know when you're on the thing making the noise..

[Velocewest]

Sounds like a good fan clutch to me. You don't hear it first thing in the morning because the engine is cold. When the engine warms (like the heat soak that happens when you shut off at the gas station) the clutch starts to provide resistance and the fan turns. My bet is it's a new noise because your old fan clutch was tits up.

[jonathan]

You're right I believe it did start about the time I replaced the fan clutch. However, at that same time I dropped the fan and broke a blade...had to drive around for a couple days before new one came. I was thinking this may have caused something to go wrong...maybe damaged the water pump shaft but there's no play on that.

But it does seem to get louder as the car gets hotter. Is it really supposed to sound like a freaking jet engine though? I've never heard a car's fan make so much noise pushing air.

I just want to make sure it's not a sign of something going wrong. I read that an alternator going bad can make this noise.

[Edit by jonathan on [TIME]1115969734[/TIME]]

[Velocewest]

Those 9 blade fans make a pretty good roar when the clutch starts grabbing. I had a similar experience at the first track day this year. My car runs so cool that the first time the clutch ever engaged (since I picked upt the car in December) was after my first session of the day. Gave me a scare until I realized what it was.