Strang noises ...

[Ashley Bowler]

After taking a drive today, I noticed that the car was making a strange slightly clanging noise. I thought it was from the muffler or exaust, but after opening the engine compartment, I noticed that it seemed to be coming from the large fan.

It can only be described as a tinny, clangey metallic sound. And I only hear it a low revs or idling at a light.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you…..in advance.

[slodave]

Does there appear to be any scrapes on the inside of the fan shroud?

[Ashley Bowler]

Originally Posted by slodave

Does there appear to be any scrapes on the inside of the fan shroud?

I haven't seen any. are you thinking burrs of metal hitting the shroud?

[slodave]

Not really, just wondering if something shifted and maybe was rubbing. I hope you find the problem!

Dave

[Norm Faustino]

I'm not sure how the pulley is keyed on the alternator shaft of the newer engines, but my 3.0 liter made the same exact sound you are describing and it turned out to be the pulley keyway was worn and causing radial play which made a bell ringing sound. Hope this helps.

[Ashley Bowler]

Originally Posted by Norm Faustino

I'm not sure how the pulley is keyed on the alternator shaft of the newer engines, but my 3.0 liter made the same exact sound you are describing and it turned out to be the pulley keyway was worn and causing radial play which made a bell ringing sound. Hope this helps.

Thats an accurate description, almost like a bell ringing. Thank you. By the way, what is a "pulley keyway"?

[mkossler]

It's a little half-round metal pad that inserts into a slot in the drive shaft, and that keeps the shaft and fan spinning together. You will need to remove the fan to access the keyway (you can remove the belt and wiggle the fan to check for excessive radial play before you completely remove it). I'd agree that a worn one is likely your issue.

[Ashley Bowler]

Originally Posted by mkossler

It's a little half-round metal pad that inserts into a slot in the drive shaft, and that keeps the shaft and fan spinning together. You will need to remove the fan to access the keyway (you can remove the belt and wiggle the fan to check for excessive radial play before you completely remove it). I'd agree that a worn one is likely your issue.

So.....not a major job?

[mkossler]

Not a major job at all! It's really quite straightforward, if you have the correct tools. If you don't already have one (or something better), I'd recommend that you get a Bentley Service Manual. You need to make sure that you understand the preparation and tools required, and the steps to dis- and re- assemble.

Sorry if this last bit of advice seems like a little overdone Captain Obvious impersonation, but I have seen too many nice people just kind of plunge into work on these cars and and up very frustrated.

Good luck!

[Ashley Bowler]

Originally Posted by mkossler

Not a major job at all! It's really quite straightforward, if you have the correct tools. If you don't already have one (or something better), I'd recommend that you get a Bentley Service Manual. You need to make sure that you understand the preparation and tools required, and the steps to dis- and re- assemble.

Sorry if this last bit of advice seems like a little overdone Captain Obvious impersonation, but I have seen too many nice people just kind of plunge into work on these cars and and up very frustrated.

Good luck!

I'm having trouble visualizing this. Is it the actual fan and the shaft that it rotates on?
Personally, I don't think I could do it myself.