This weekend I started troubleshooting an engine clattering noise at idle (500RPM) on cold start-up. Clattering dissipate at higher RPMs (800 and up) and after engine warms with gauge reading (160F). Idle oil pressure cold is 60 to 62 and 30 to 40 when warm/hot after good run.
Briefly ran engine from cold with fan belt removed to isolate any rotational noises and noise was eliminated. Generator was replaced with a good spare one, attached fan belt, ran engine from cold and clattering noise returned.
So, if the clattering noise is not from the Generator / alternator, could it be the water pump? How could this be tested? There’s no apparent telltale leaking or loose pulley. I have good spare water pump (lightly used from early 2000) available to test this idea. I’d like to avoid “plug and play” approach, but if there's no other diagnostic suggestion, then I'll give it a try.
Any shared thoughts are appreciated, GONZO
Briefly ran engine from cold with fan belt removed to isolate any rotational noises and noise was eliminated. Generator was replaced with a good spare one, attached fan belt, ran engine from cold and clattering noise returned.
So, if the clattering noise is not from the Generator / alternator, could it be the water pump? How could this be tested? There’s no apparent telltale leaking or loose pulley. I have good spare water pump (lightly used from early 2000) available to test this idea. I’d like to avoid “plug and play” approach, but if there's no other diagnostic suggestion, then I'll give it a try.
Any shared thoughts are appreciated, GONZO