Community Forums

RottenRalph · 06-05-2016, 09:58 AM

Before I bring to service center, I want to ask the forum if this is anything you have encountered.

I have 2003 W20 with 50K miles. In the past 3000 or so miles I have been hearing a chirping noise coming from the rear of the motor and towards the driver side. It maybe coming from the bellhousing. This noise is most noticeable at deceleration and never heard on acceleration. Also happens more with a cold engine. It may be that I can hear it clearly when cold because I am going slower. I can make it occur in the driveway while in park just by lightly pressing the gas peddle the letting off the peddle. This does not seem to effect the performance as I have just completed a 2000 mile trip through mountains with no problems.

Another occasional noise which may or may not be related is may started will sometimes make a strange noise. I can cycle the key switch to correct this noise.

Any ideas on what this could be?

alvo · 06-05-2016, 10:04 AM

Sounds like it's most likely a bad belt

RottenRalph · 06-05-2016, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvo

Sounds like it's most likely a bad belt

It actually does sound like a bad fan belt or pulley but this noise in not coming from the front of engine.

vettenuts · 06-05-2016, 12:19 PM

Have you listened from under the motor? Sound travel can easily make you look in the wrong place. I suspect the tensioner.

RottenRalph · 06-05-2016, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Have you listened from under the motor? Sound travel can easily make you look in the wrong place. I suspect the tensioner.

Yes. Listened from underneath and from above with doghouse off.

powderman · 06-05-2016, 12:32 PM

Anyone who does any mechanical work should have one of these. http://www.harborfreight.com/mechani...ope-69913.html

With all the noises going on, it makes it easier to find a problem. A long screwdriver held on spots and to the ear will also work but not as well.

Arch Hoagland · 06-05-2016, 07:55 PM

I have had my exhaust manifolds create varied and strange noises both when the engine is cold and warm.

They are kind of like a Mocking Bird in that they change over time.

RottenRalph · 06-06-2016, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I have had my exhaust manifolds create varied and strange noises both when the engine is cold and warm.

They are kind of like a Mocking Bird in that they change over time.

My first thought was belt or pulley. After ruling that out, manifold leak was the second thought but how/why would it chirp on deceleration and not acceleration?

I still haven't ruled out any of the mentioned possibilities. I will be getting a stethoscope for closer inspection.

Thanks to all.

twinboat · 06-06-2016, 11:40 AM

Are you saying that your starter makes a noise or grinds occasionally, while attempting to start the engine ?

If true, the two noises may be related. A cracked flex plate ( flywheel ) will do that.

RottenRalph · 07-03-2016, 10:16 AM

So, I had multiple problems. The biggest was exhaust manifold gasket leak with 3 broken studs. Repair was done without having to pull the head and the manifold was not cracked. One helicoil was installed. Also had a leak at the doughnut. That took care of the noise at the rear of the motor. On to the front of the motor where a new belt tensioner and belt was installed. A new started corrected the starter issue.

Thanks for your opinions.