Engine whirring and tapping...

[philstar]

Hey guys I have just finished putting my engine back together with the following new parts:

• head skim
  valve guides done
  new cambelt
  new tensioner
  new water pump

the trouble is I can hear a funny whirring noise, I disconnected the alternator belt and restarted the engine but the whirring noise was still there so I presume it is coming from the cambelt? hasd anybody experienced this before?

Also, there is a tapping noise coming from the top of the engine which I am guessing is down to the timing being out by one cog (even though I checked everything FOUR times before starting the engine - very frustrating) so I have only had it running for 20 seconds as I am wary of causing damage. Does this sound like the timing is out?

I have no oil or water leaks at all.

[mark1gls]

The whirring is because the cam belt is to tight, losen it off a bit and the noise should go.
I would guess the tapping is just the hydrolic tappets still waiting for oil to get to them, as you have had the head off and work done and only run the engine for 20 seconds they will not have oil in them yet. Run the engine for a bit longer and give it a rev,the noise should go away after 3 or 4 mins.

You should not course any damage if the cam belt is off by a tooth, it will just not run right and feel under powered, I've done it and drove my car like it.
If you have checked and double checked already the timing marks I expect its in the right place.

[philstar]

Oh thanks mate, that's settled my heart rate! It's not my car, I'm doing it for a friends' 21st birthday as a gift!! I don't know why I put myself in these situations...

I'll try loosening the belt soon as I get some light on Saturday morning, I'll double check the timing again while I'm at it. Apart from the noises it sounded alright!

[mark1gls]

If you are lucky you should be able to losen the fan belt and just remove the top cover with out removing anything else, there is just enough room to check the tension by twisting the belt and you can get to the cam belt tensioner. If you do run the engine without the cover on don't forget to put the 2 nuts back on the end of the rocker cover as oil will come out and go down the back of the engine.

[philstar]

Good point, the top inner part of the cover is broken anyway, so I took off the complete top half to check it all. I'll order a new part from vwheritage. I've twisted the belt with one finger and can nearly turn it 90 degrees but I'll just give it a little more slack.

[mark1gls]

There is one here, the paint finish looks a bit pitted on the side, not sure how much vw heritage charges for there cover....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-GTI-M ... 5aeccefb4d

[philstar]

Ah the outer is ok, its just the inner semi-circle arc part that bolts to the rocker cover thats broken, its about a tenner:

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Cam ... try_GB.htm

cheers for looking though!

[philstar]

Oh just found one on eBay for a fiver! Sold!

[mark1gls]

No worries.

[philstar]

OK I have loosened off the cambelt to no avail:

http://youtu.be/JN0IOG5OW68

I am less concerned with the tapping noise now, but the whirring is still present, please see this short video:

http://youtu.be/rRaK0vcp9T8

Has anybody got any ideas what it might be?

[philstar]

I have also checked all the timing marks and everything lines up, the engine runs fine and revs freely.

[Neillyboy]

Is your timing belt cover rubbing on the belt or a pulley?

[philstar]

You my good sir, are a genius. I'm not sure why it is catching, but from my rebuild it's clear the car hasn't been looked after so it might be worth my while replacing the entire cover.

[Neillyboy]

Glad you got it sorted.

[Nate]

what be the wheels?