I suspected this as well, Jack. I placed a long screwdriver behind the
pulley flange while was running (not good) and it didnt exactly go away.
I did detect a little bit end play. I was unable to come to a
conclusion.
I get the rattle at all speeds, except that it disappears as you go
through about 3000 rpm.
I appreciate your response and think I should take another look at this.
I will remove the belt completely and run it for a short time. This
should tell the tale.
Your remarks on the pulleys will be useful to the list, too.
Thanks and best regards. See you in 99.
Joe Alexander
>----------
>From: Jack I. Brooks[SMTP:brooks@belcotech.com]
>Sent: Friday, August 22, 1997 6:52 AM
>To: Alexander Joseph H
>Cc: Triumphs@autox.team.net
>Subject: RAttling in front of engine
>
>>The rattling noise I hear at the front of the my TR3A engine is likely a
>broken 'leaf" from the tensioner. However it occurs to me that I
>replaced this part when I did an engine swap a few years ago. It also
>occurs to me that the noise never really did go away.
>>Before I do this, is there something I am missing. Could it be something
>else?...although I have investigated other moving parts. Could I have
>installed it wrong?... even tho there is really one way to put it in.
>
>Alexander,
>
>When I first bought my car it quickly developed a rattle (or maybe I missed
>it in my purchase lust) in the front of the engine, diagnosed, by several
>local mechanics (by ear only) as front bearing or timing chain rattle.
>Nobody was sure.
>
>As it turned out, it was a water pump pulley which was being worn egg
>shaped. The taper which mates up to the pump was worn oblong. Every time
>the engine rotated the pulley rocked and rattled. Of course the rattle
>disapeared when you went off idle, so it sounded like bearings, which I
>needed anyhow, but that is another story.
>
>Loosen your fan belt tension and try rocking your pump pulley in all sorts
>of directions. Obviously there should be no movement at all. I hope this
>is your problem. It's an easy fix, just make sure you get the right pulley,
>original (AE), or asian knockoff; the pumps and pulleys are slightly
>different and incompatable for the long term.
>
>Jack
>
>
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