[wrenchmonster]

Howdy. If you suspect a pulley going out, try using a mechanics stethoscope to find the problem. Or take off your belts and turn the pulleys by hand. The should be smooth and not shake at all from side to side.

If you suspect an intake manifold leak, the easiest way to find this is on the smoke machine. If you don't have one or access to one, try using some water in a spray bottle. Raise your RPMs to where you have the problem and then spray some water along the intake manifold gasket. If the water temporarally "solves" the problem, it is probably the intake manifold gasket. Just be very careful where you spray the water.

This job is not too hard, but it does depend on your comfort level. If you keep track of all the stuff you take off (label and/or take pictures), it shouldn't be a problem. Make sure to check the mating surface of the intake to make sure it is not warped. I would also recommend the use of a sealant when installing the new one. I like to use the red spray that permatex puts out. Also, don't forget to torque the intake to the proper ft/lbs (or in Canada the proper newton/meters!). Good luck.

-Kevin

 

[wrenchmonster]

Howdy. V2, don't use the WD40, this will only cause a bunch of smoke to bellow from under the hood. If carb cleaner didn't do the trick, then your intake manifold might not be to blame for your "whistle". The problem is here at the board, it's difficult to determine what kind of "whistle" you are describing. What you might call a whistle, I might call a howl.

If your water pump is loose, it may be starting to go. If the bearings are starting to seize, your belt could be starting to slip and hence causing a "whistle" noise. What kind of mileage do you have on the engine? Does it feel nice and smooth when you turn the water pump pulley? Is there any signs of glazing or slipping of the belt on that pulley? Are your top and bottom radiator hoses the same temp when the engine is at full temperature? Are you overheating at all?

-Kevin

 

[wrenchmonster]

Howdy. Hey guys. V2, sorry, I misunderstood your post on the WD40. But still, Joel is right. Don't use this on your pulley, it's a bad idea.

Joel you are obviously more familiar with the lay-out on these motors. On the idler pulley, just in case you did not know, most of these have a bearing in the back which you can remove. Take it off the vehicle and see if there is a clip holding in a bearing. If so, you are in luck. So, don't go out and buy a whole new pulley assembly unless it's damaged in some way. There may be some interchangeability here also if you can find one in a junk yard, but for the cost, I'd personally go for a new bearing. Good luck.

-Kevin

 

[wrenchmonster]

Howdy guys. Just a word on WD-40. Now, I'm not entirely sure this is true. But my grandpa used to tell me that the "WD" stood for "water-displacement". I know for sure that it works well for water displacement and it is high in mineral spirits. However, as a lubricant, it is crap. I personally like using it for cleaning adhesive and hindering rust from forming, and that's about all.

And yes, sealed bearings are just that, once their gone, that's it. V2, take everyones advice and just fix it and be done. At best, any lubricant is a band-aid fix. If that pulley locks up you could be asking for a lot more trouble. My 2 cents.

-Kevin