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MG MGF Technical - Warbling/ screeching noise?!

I have an intermittant noise on my MGF VVC. It is REALLY annoying! I can only describe it as a warbly, screeching type noise. Not as high pitched as a fan belt.

I felt certain it was the Alternator and so changed it :( The problem still exists.

It only usually occurs when the starting in the morning, when cold. It is with the speed of the engine, putting on lights makes no difference (again, not alternator!) I have recorded the noise on my mobile phone (they ARE useful!!)
The noise usually disappears by a couple of miles. And is mostly around 2,000 RPM, but can vary slightly.

The only thing I can think of is the water pump or cam belt....??

any ideas? Maybe I can put the noise on the Internet with a link to it! To listen to.

The MGF has done 102,000 miles ;-)

Thanks in advance

Mick
Mick F

Hi Mick,
had about the same on my VVC a long time ago. Installed the exthaust bracket ( Parts number anyone ?) and the noise non-existing afterwards. I think this bracket is a good thing for stiffening up the exthaust against the block = less forces on the head and hopefully less movements that can "rubb" the head gasket... Also the circular band around the exthaust (right side seen from behind the car) can if not tightend enough give resonance problems. Anyway, You will probably find all about this in the archive.

BR, Carl.
Carl Blom

mick
i have a very similar problem at the moment. can you put a link on here so that i can hear the sound? or just email it to me.
cheers
t
tony

Thanks for replies/ ideas

here is the noise as an MP3, (it can put it there as a WAV if nessecary) it should bring it up/ download and play in your default MP3 player (it did when I tried it!) It is a bit low in volume, as I used a microphone against my mobile phone! The noise is there from the engine starting.

Thanks, hope to find this problem it is bugging me and the MG garage has NO chance of finding it, because it has dissappeared by the time they get it!

One other thing, I changed the exhaust last weekend and 'Cat' converter.

Somebody must have heard this before..... as I said it sounds a bit like an alternator, but it has been changed! :(

Mick
Mick F

forgot to put in the link!!

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pool/mgf_whine.mp3

Mick
Mick F

Water pump bearings?

Neil.
Neil

Yes, thanks Neil, My vote would be the water pump as i mentioned in my 1st post. Any way of proving this? (EXCEPT changing it!)

But, unless it starts leaking, I might wait until its 120,000 service (Cam belt change!) ;-) before fixing it.... unless it starts leaking water of course.

Any more 'votes'? or how certain are you Neil?

Mick
Mick F

It just sounds similar to ones I've heard "going" in other cars - though I've never heard a K-series WP bearing failing (others may have that I don't remember - have you checked the archive?)

If you were to take off the engine cover and listen with a tube when you start in the morning can you identify where the noise is coming from any more accurately?

I'll leave it for others to comment on whether it could be the timing belt tensioner bearings... That WOULD be more urgent to get looked into if they're seizing...

I'd probably get the pump changed anyway at 120k miles...

Neil.
Neil

Hi all,
a sound-file say´s more than a thousand words... A bet from me is also on the waterpump, BUT could equally well be the tensioner. In any case get it sorted before something nasty happends. Probably You have to seek advise /cure outside the normal dealer network ;)

BR, Carl.
Carl Blom

Thanks CArl,
I am beginning to think it is the waterpump, especially now with the comments.

I will get a price and probably get it done

thanks for other comments. Very useful this Forum!

Mick
Mick F

Mick,

I think i've still got the same problem with my 98 VVC. THe noise on mine has been tracked down to the second cambelt which goes cam to cam on the left hand side of the engine. It squeeks warbles between 1500 - 1800 rpm as well. I have been told due to the width of the belt that they can sometimes vibrate and create some detectable noise. Rover had it in for a check and managed to reduce the noise temporally with belt dressing but it returned minuets later. I'm due a 5 year service soon and hope a belt change does the trick.
Hope this is of some use.
Iain
IJ Blanch

Iain,
Thanks for your comments (I think!!)

It sounds to me like they dont REALLY know what the noise is, perhaps yours is a water pump too! But, perhaps they are right. Certainly the noise dosnt want to go, except when the engine warms up.
It would be useful to message here if the CAM belt change does the trick.

Just got a price on a water pump: £224 +VAT labour :( plus the pump (at around £60!?!)

they, of course, recommend that the CAM belt done at the same time, because they just happen to be 3/4 way there!

Unsure to wait or fix now :(
mick F

This thread was discussed between 26/02/2003 and 07/03/2003

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