I was finally able to isolate the engine noise on my car…
Just to refresh, this noise would start and linger or sometimes
subside a bit. Rarely, it would disappear all together…
It sounded like metallic scraping, clicking, squealing, rubbing.
Using stethoscope I listened and could not isolate it. I could hear
it from every part of the engine. It didn’t sound good to be honest.
Well, I tried the simple things first. Removed the drive belt to
eliminate A/C compressor, Alternator, and P/S pump, and their pulleys.
Noise still there…Next, I checked the timing belt area. Timing marks
still ok. Removed the timing belt. It was fine. Two tensioner pulleys were ok
as well. Hydraulic tenssioner appeared collapsed, and I saw signs of oil
leakage. Replaced it, and put everything back together. Noise still there…
With my head under the hood, and the engine idling, I tried to focus
on this darn noise. Just for grins I got a long wooden dowel, put one end
on top of starter motor and hit the other with hammer. Noise stopped
instantly?! Turned off/on the engine. Noise reappeared. Hit the starter
again, and the noise went away…Eureka!!! It must be the starter.
Got a new one and followed installation steps posted here. Took
about 2-3 hours. I was careful…Now, I could easily do it in 1-1.5 hours.
Well, car runs great again. Darn starter, it obviously wasn’t retracting
all the way. Live and learn…