Strange noise coming from under the hood

[ehegwer]

Today when I started up Elise, everything was normal. Then, after driving for about 20 minutes, I heard what I thought was a rock in the wheelwhell.

Shortly after that, I started hearing a high pitched whine. Sort of like the sound bad plugs make over a cheap car stereo. Increasing with RPMs and slowing, too. But I don't have a radio.

I made some stops, and picked up some Mardi Gras beads (not relevant), and then heard what sounded like a bad valve tick.

Turns out that the nut on the back of the top alternator bolt came loose, and the belt first began to rub on the bolt (sound 1). Then as the bolt backed out farther it began to rub against the fan (sound 2).

5 min and a drop of locktite later, all is better.

[JsnPpp]

Heading to LA for mardi gras? Or doing things local?

The Austin team needs to get together for some car talk.

~Jason

[c.d.iesel]

if it was nicking the red plactic fan blades -

plan on replacing the fan because the knicks

will grow to cracks, will grow to shedding blades,

loss of cooling, noise, vibration, damaged radiator,

DEATH, other bad stuff . . .. . . . .

[jgerock]

I was glad it wasn't a cuddly critter in there.

or maybe an alien whistler in the grill?