Diagnosis help-grinding noise in front engine near belts

[capncash]

1994 Q45 190k

last night a grinding/rattling noise started happening intermittenly in the fan/belt/waterpump/alternator area. I cant tell exactly where its coming from. It happens when the car is sitting or when driving. It comes and goes about every 30 secs. Sounds like a clutch or motor slipping. ANy ideas on diagnosing?

I am guessing it is not the water pump since temp is fine. The alternator is covered in oil but i dont think the alternator would make this type of noise. The A/c doesnt work and i dont turn it on. This noise was happening with climate control off.

I am guessing maybe oil pump? I am about to do valve gaskets so i would like to solve this while Im in there.

Thanks!
Modified by capncash at 9:43 AM 3/17/2007

[maxnix]

If you have oil all over the front of your engine, buy all three blets and pulleys so you can be prepared. Thermostat and gasket might be good also if you con't know when they were last repaired.

Hopefully it is neither the AC clutch nor the alternator. Check your condenser fan hub and blades for cracks as you willl want to replace it also.

[capncash]

Yeah it could def be a pulley rattling noise. Are you suggesting that might be it max?

[CrimsonQ]

My pulleys went south and made a chattering almost belt squeling(sp?) sound. order them from Joe and save about 35-40 a piece over dealer prices.

[maxnix]

Yeah it could def be a pulley rattling noise. Are you suggesting that might be it max?

Best case scenario, believe me. Tighten to specifications. Bset to do all three belts and any suspicious pulleys. Then you con't have to go back for two or three years, and hopefully you won't get stranded either.

Save old good pulley wheels and you can buy highgrade bearings (read TexasOil's post on the subject) and have a spare set for next time.