Weird noise coming from 2000 Esprit V8

[SAMike]

First just wanted to say hi. I was a member of this forum back some 13 years ago when I had my first Esprit and glad to be back. So initially I thought this was maybe a timing belt issue but that was not the case. So all things pointed to a bad/locked up AC Compressor which turns out might not have been the culprit after all. So after all the work was done and after about 100 miles on the car I start hearing this noise again. The first time it happened (before the recent timing belt service (with all new tensioners, pulleys, etc..) new ac compressor, belt and so on it was rather loud and when I finally stopped a light smoke starting coming from the front of the engine and more of a burning rubber smell. This time around no smoke but the noise is there and not as loud but I can here it getting louder. So here is the thing with this noise, it only seems to happen when driving and decreases and increases with the revs. When car is standing still for about a couple of minutes (after driving) and I rev it to 3-5K RPM the noise is not present, the engine idles and sounds perfect. On a cold start up it does not happen. Only when the car warms up and I'm driving does it start again. At first it was hard to describe the noise but I finally have something to compare it to. It sounds like a wheel that spins and falls on a number at a carnival or the wheel from the show Wheel of Fortune. Almost exactly that sound but faster. It does not sound like tapping or ticking like a lifter or tappet would sound like. Someone suggested the serpentine belt rubbing against a hose. Any suggestions on what it might be, before I take it in again. thanks


Mike

[phumy]

I used to have a V8 Esprit and I had a very similar noise on two occasions, once after it had the cam-belts changed and once after a service, on both occasions the cam-belt covers had been removed and had not been replaced correctly. You might need to check that they have been centrally seated correctly so that the belts are not rubbing on the covers. Once of the occasions the bolts for the cam cover had only been refitted finger tight and the cam cover had moved and rubbed on the belt.

They are easy enough to check and tighten correctly, If they have been rubbing you might want to check any damage on the belts.

[SAMike]

Thanks for the reply! I’m feeling it’s something like that. Taking in the car on Tuesday will definatley let you know what the outcome is.

[phumy]

SAMike said:

Thanks for the reply! I’m feeling it’s something like that. Taking in the car on Tuesday will definatley let you know what the outcome is.

Where are you taking it?

As that was my problem, it was the mechanic who serviced it not doing the bolts up correctly.....

[V8 FOU]

VERY few people know how to do this sort of stuff on a V8. Cam covers is likely. Has the water pump been replaced recently or the belts and tensionsers?

Worth noting that it is worth taking out the fuel tanks while the engine is out to replace the snotty foam they sit on with decent closed cell foam.

Having owned and worked on these, they really do need very special treatment. I also have done a great idle mod and light clutch mod too.

PM if you need further help

[SAMike]

UPDATE: So the verdict was a loose pulley after all. Thus causing the belt to rub. Thank God it wasn’t anything more serious.