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Name the noise.

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by JeepDriver, Feb 13, 2007.

  1. JeepDriver

    JeepDriver Member

    Hi all,
    I recently got my 74 CJ5 fired up and I have noise I am trying to figure out. The engine is a 232 with stock everything. When I start it and it is idling there is a sound coming from the fan area or water pump. It is almost like a grinding noise but seems to go away as the engine revs up. My first thought was some kind of gear or bearing that was grinding/scraping. Any ideas on what this might be or how to isolate it? It is hard to describe the noise and this is my first CJ so I am not sure if it is just normal noises for these engines.

    Mike
     
    JeepDriver, Feb 13, 2007
    #1
  2. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    water pump bearings :)
    Got any drips coming from the water pump weep hole?
    With engine not running, any play in the shaft that the fan is on?

    You can use an actual automotive stethoscope to find sounds like this... or improvise with a long piece of vacuum tube or fuel line. Hold one end against the suspect part, the other to your ear...
     
    lynn, Feb 13, 2007
    #2
  3. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I agree with Lynn - although I often use a long piece of wood, like a dowel or something. One end can be carefully placed against the water pump, alternator, or whatever, I place my thumb over the other end and jam it next to my ear. A long screwdriver will work.

    This can isolate any noises very precisely - but DON'T let it get near the fan!!! PLEASE be safe!

    Pete
     
    PeteL, Feb 13, 2007
    #3
  4. JeepDriver

    JeepDriver Member

    No drips but I was thinking I might disconnect the fan belt and start the engine. At least then the pump won't be running and if no noise then i guess i know where to look. I will give it a shot with a piece of hose if i can get near the area with the fan spinning. I will be very creaful.

    Mike
     
    JeepDriver, Feb 13, 2007
    #4
  5. Strider380

    Strider380 Can I have a zip tie?

    just grab the fan with the engine not running and see if you can wobble it back and forth. There should be no play. Very common problem and in my experience, usually happens with no sign of leakage. Its just the bearings on their way out. Also accompanied with the grinding noise you described. Water pumps are like 20-25 dollars with a lifetime guarentee. I had to take off the thermostat housing to get to one of the bolts on mine. If you have to too, change the thermostat too. And try to use gaskets in there with or without RTV. Just my experience...
     
    Strider380, Feb 13, 2007
    #5
  6. JeepDriver

    JeepDriver Member

    Yeah i was pricing water pumps today and may just change ti our anyway for piece of mind.

    Mike
     
    JeepDriver, Feb 13, 2007
    #6
  7. 73cj5

    73cj5 Member

    my explorer made the same noise when its waterpump went out.
     
    73cj5, Feb 13, 2007
    #7
  8. JeepDriver

    JeepDriver Member

    Replaced the water pump and that seems to have been the issue. Thanks!

    Mike
     
    JeepDriver, Feb 17, 2007
    #8
  9. jeepen

    jeepen Member

    Thanks for telling us what you found it is alwas good to hear thet you got it fixed.:beer:
     
    jeepen, Feb 18, 2007
    #9