water pump pulley?
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New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7
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water pump pulley?
I have a terrible scrapping/rattling noise in my 400 when the engine revs at low RPMs. I'm almost positve it is the water pump pulley. I'm just begining to learn about engines and I was wondering if this is a common problem. The performance of the engine seems the same, its just extremely bothersome to drive around with the noise. Is there anything else I should be on the lookout for. Any help or any information at all would be great. This is by far the best and most informative forum on the internet
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 263
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From: FLOWER MOUND,TX
read on another post you had a 78.you shouldnt have a fan clutch...check to see that your fan blades arent in contact with your radiator shroud...a lose fan belt will also make a noise that might sound like rattling but not a scrape...could be water pump going out...keep a close eye on the water temp untill you find out what the problem is..good luck..let us know what you found out
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 263
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From: FLOWER MOUND,TX
you can try this but be very carefull you don't get your head caught in the fan...use a long screw driver and put the metal end on the water pump and the handle end up to your ear (like a doctor listening to your heart "stethascope") maybe even a broom handle and you should be able to hear if it's the water pump...but BE CAREFULL
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 263
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From: FLOWER MOUND,TX
if you decide to replace the water pump...dig a little deeper and have a look at the timing chain and gears to see if they are worn...i read you may have had some timing issues...a good manual and a few tools can save you a bunch of $$$ unless you don't have the time..
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 454
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I have a 78 F150 and it DOES have a fan clutch.
I once had a noise like this and it turned out to be my alternator. Do what BrokenArrow said and put a screwdriver to the unit while it is running to hear it. But do be careful.
I once had a noise like this and it turned out to be my alternator. Do what BrokenArrow said and put a screwdriver to the unit while it is running to hear it. But do be careful.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Franklin, GA
Heck, if you have a new alternator it probably ain't the cause. Take the v-belt off so the water pump pulley doesn't turn. Start the engine. If the noise is gone (since the pulley isn't turning) you've pretty much found the source.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 5
From: Delaware
Do you have an idler pulley? I have seen bearings go bad in idler pulleys. I pressed it out and went to a bearing supply house and match it up. Then I pressed it in and fixed the problem for a couple of bucks.