Weird engine rattle

[Alanmizzen]

Hey all. Just signed up for the forum since I just bought my first mj. Super stoked to have her. She's an 88 with a straight 6. Low kms supposedly. Dash reads 166xxx km. I replaced the valve cover gasket since she was leaking and everything looked bright and shiny. Anyways a noise just started about 3 days ago. It's a low rattle with the occasional knock. It' sounds like it's coming from one of the front cylinders deep in the block. It's not terribly loud but it's loud enough to cause some worry.

 

I recorded it for all to hear. Any input would be appreciated.

 

https://youtu.be/GGwPF0sNJBY

[cruiser54]

Your best chance of pinpointing it is with this:

 

[Alanmizzen]

You're right. I have one just gotta dig it out. I'll update when I have more details.

[gogmorgo]

Make sure the engine and trans are attached together. But it does sound a little like the exhaust smacking against something, too. Hard to tell from the video where it's coming from.

[64 Cheyenne]

I'd take the belt off, start it up, listen without the sounds associated with the drive, eliminates/indicates something such as WP bearings.

[Alanmizzen]

So I used my stethoscope to isolate it and it sounds like it's coming from the water pump. Not looking forward to that swap.

 

Here's another video.

 

https://youtu.be/dpOO7_-8H-c

[Alanmizzen]

It was the water pump. Removed the belt and started it and the noise went away. Thanks guys for the tips. Now she's back to purring. With some other quirks but I bought her to fix her.

[cruiser54]

It was the water pump. Removed the belt and started it and the noise went away. Thanks guys for the tips. Now she's back to purring. With some other quirks but I bought her to fix her.

Good old stethoscope beats videos any day. Glad to hear that's all it was.

[mikekaz1]

ive always been fond of the long flathead screwdriver held to the ear.