A Hell opf a Racket.

Keith Cook · Post by **Keith Cook** » Mon Aug 12, 2002 1:24 pm

Perhaps someone can help me here. (Seems the sort of thing Fletch would
know!) Since the colder weather arrived my jellybean has been making a hell
of noise round the front when started. As things warm up the racket
disappears and if I spray WD40 or rubber lubricant in the general direction of
the top pulley (I haven't got a spout that allows accurate placement) it
immediately quietens down. I took it to the local franchise who kept it over
night so as to listen next morning when properly cold and they couldn't hear
anything(!!!??) The noise is slightly metallic but I can see nothing rubbing
or touching and, as I say, it goes away when warm. Yesterday I used her for
the first time for a couple of days - an unusual event! - and the racket was
embarrassing. I was expecting the neighbours out looking for the heavy
machinery at any moment. Temperatures are around 0 - 9 degrees at the present
time.
Any ideas?

MC · Post by MC » Mon Aug 12, 2002 1:48 pm

Keith
could also be the usual hydraulic tappet rattle, without hearing it i'm only
guessing, a change of oil can cure this,
some people use a thinner oil from 15/40 to 5/30 or 5/40, this has been known
to solve the problem, if it is the hydraulic tappets
its apparently not a big problem as a lot of MX5's do this, but only from cold
at startup or if they've been standing for a few days, when the oil slowly
drains out of the oil filter.
MC

lou Girardin · Post by **lou Girardin** » Mon Aug 12, 2002 1:57 pm

Spray a little plain water on the waterpump pulley when the noise is present,
if it disappears it's the fan belt at fault. Adjust or replace.
Otherwise it could be waterpump bearings, although it is unlikely to only do
it when cold.
Lou

Gary Morrison · Post by **Gary Morrison** » Mon Aug 12, 2002 3:42 pm

Hi Keith,

If it is a squeaking noise then almost certainly it will be a belt. The fact
that you sprayed some WD40 and had it go away is pointing in that direction,
and belts do tend to go quiet once warmed up (until they're well worn, in
which case it will continue). Lou's suggestion of some water directed right at
the belt is a good idea... see if it goes quiet and if so you know what the
problem is and can specify what you want your serviceman to do for you.

Gary