Weird Noise!

[944Driver]

I started my '83 944 today and it made this rasping/groaning sound which appeared to originate inside the engine. I only ran the engine for about 30 seconds, hoping the sound would go away as the engine warmed up. Unfortunately, it did not. I really can't remember it ever having done this before. The belts, water pump and the rebuilt engine have less than 3000 milles on them. Could it be the oil pump? I ran a bottle of injector cleaner into the gas tank earlier in the day. Surely this wouldn't have damaged something, would it?

[944Driver]

I drove the car a bit more tonight. I think the sound is coming from the left front end. It's more of a whining (rrrrrrr) sound which seems to be consistent with throttle application. It also does it when I'm off throttle, i.e. slowing for a light. This noise is not constant during the entire time I'm driving however. It seems to do it every five or six blocks and only lasts about five to ten seconds at a time. Belts?? Input please!!

[Bob's944]

If by left front you mean passenger side front, i would be lookin at the power steering pump... does the noise change if you rotate the steering wheel?

[944Driver]

No by left front I mean the driver's side. (I 'm thinking left side while sitting in the driver's seat). I don't have power steering anyway. I just found a website showing all the recalls and TSBs for the '83 944. One of the SBs was for groaning front brakes. I wonder...

[Bob's944]

Could be brakes or maybe the wheel bearings. If it's the brakes, i would be betting that the noise would change, or go away, as you applied the brakes when you are hearing the noise. Wheel bearings is more of a constant noise.

[Scott R]

AC Clutch bearing? Upper balance shaft failure? There arent any other whirring type things on that side of the motor.

[944Driver]

If the balance shaft went, wouldn't the idle be incredibly rough? It's still smooth as silk. Could it be a dying alternator?? All the wheel bearing were done less than 3000 miles ago, as were all the brakes (new pads and rotors). Could a caliper be sticking? The car pulls a bit to that side.

[Scott R]

Actually I was thinking of the balance shaft front bearing. But now that you mention it the alternator would be the most likely culprit. I would take the six rib belt off and run the engine for a bit and see if the noise goes away.