10 replies to this topic

[MaxDempsey]

Hi

My 1989 Mayfair has developed a slight rattle from around the radiator area. The car is a 988cc. Could this be the alternator or maybe even the water pump or is it just a case a replacing parts until the rattle stops.

The rattle also seems to stop as the revs increase although I'm not sure whether this is due to the noise increase from the engine.

Thanks in advance.

[Mini Manannán]

You need to pin the sound down so get a length of plastic pipe 18 inches long, put to your ear and 'localise' the sound, you'll then have a better idea than "around the radiator area".  If you're feeling posh get one of these: http://shop.aseriess...thoscope-320mm/

[MaxDempsey]

Ill try that and maybe even stretch my funds to buy a stethoscope   

Thanks 

[peter-b]

If you're a bit handy, try taking the fan belt off and see if noise is gone. Don't run it for too long obviously, a few minutes should be sufficient. If the noise is gone, try then spinning fan and alternator to see if you can hear anything or feel harshness in bearings. If the noise doesn't stop with belt off, you should be able to assume the pump/fan and alternator are OK.

As MM said, a bit better description as to type of rattle and area would be good. Is is tinny rattle, solid rattle, try CAREFULLY pushing around fan cowl read area, alt etc. Might just be loose item.

[MaxDempsey]

Thanks for the advice and dealing with my vagueness  I will try taking the belt off tomorrow if the plastic pipe idea doesn't work.

Thanks

[ChopperHarris]

timing chain all day long

[Broomer]

I thought if an A series wasn't rattling something was wrong ?

[MaxDempsey]

Seems that way   Can you get to the timing belt by taking the rad out or is it an engine out job

[peter-b]

I thought if an A series wasn't rattling something was wrong ?

They don't rattle when they're not running, nothing wrong there.

[ChopperHarris]

Yes you can get to the CHAIN in situ

[MaxDempsey]

Thanks, didn't notice I had written belt