On the way home the other night, my 1997 Olds Cutlass all of a sudden got much, much louder. All of a sudden the engine sounded loud and bad, like there was something slapping or hitting with every revolution. The sound increased with engine speed. I was halfway home, and managed to drive the car all the way home (it was about 1AM).
Now, I know that these cars (Cutlass, Malibu, Grand Am) are notorious for water pump failure. I was told by a mechanic that a failing water pump can make the sounds described, and it would make sense that I was able to drive the rest of the way home on a cool night without overheating.
When I check the FAQ in the Cutlass Hayne's manual, however, the symptoms described point to a cranshaft or connecting rod/bearing problem. My question(s) are this, then:
Would an internal engine problem (connecting rod, crankshaft) appear all of a sudden, as in the engine's sound behavior changed in a matter of one second?
Would I be able to drive the car home about 8 miles without incident if it were an internal engine problem?
Would a failing water pump on these cars really be THAT loud?
If anyone could chime in, I would be most appreciative.
