Help with rattling sound @ front of engine
 

My son started his 944 this am and it started emitting a "rattling" sound that seems to go away with some engine RPMs. As we drove later the sound has become worse and more steady.

Could this be a failed water pump? No coolant leakage?

Could this be a belt tensioner? How can I tell without taking it apart?

Help please? I would like to have some diagnosis before I start working on this.

are you sure its from the front?
does full engagement of the clutch make any difference? (press it and HOLD it) see if there is a change....

Your best bet would be to take the front belt cover off and take a good look.

Check the exhaust heat shield below the exhaust close to the motor mount.
They rattle when they break which is similar to the sound you described.

Water pump. Pull the top cover reach down and try to wiggle it side to side, up and down.

ALL FIXED!

Got my trusty stethoscope and found the noise at the front of the cam. Pulled the distributor cap and found the rotor hitting the cap due to the distributor stub shaft being loose. Took it all apart, inspected everything, reassembled with some blue loctite and all is well.

Next up (after the weather in Cleveland, Oh improves) is the timing & balance shaft belts.

Thanks for your suggestions!

JHT

Did you check the bolt holding the cam gear to the cam shaft?

All tight.