MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
I have a 77MGB, lately it has started making a irratating, whining, squeaky kind of noise coming from the front of the engine. I thought it was the fan belt. I changed the belt-no luck. I think it might be the water pump or the alternator. How can i tell which one or if it is, if indeed it is one of these? Also, can the water pump bearings be greased?
thanks
No the water pump bearing.
Take a long piece of steel like an oversize screw driver and carefull put it on the device in question while the motor idles. A bad bearing will let you know in short order...
The alternator is the likly one and after the car and noise have had a little time, shut he motor off and feel the front and rear of the alt...if its abnormally hot or warm its a bad bearing.
Water pumps normally leak when the bearing goes bad but if the weep hole underside is plugged with grease it may not weep.
Hope that helps. PM if you need more input....
A last resort, on mine it was coming from the stock electric fans.
If it a fan make sure you put it back together the right way or it will turn the wrong way, I got tired of lubing the fans and put on a aftermarket one when I had my '79B.
If it's bearing either water pump or alternator you should be able to feel it by hand. I assume the noise changes with engine speed not wheel speed. Water pumps and alternators have a sealed bearings so no on both. Then wining may be from the belt being pulled on from one or both of the items. General rule of thumb is if any movement in a sealed bearing requires replacement.
We use a broom stick instead of a stethoscope. Just place it on the suspect part housing and listen to the broom with your ear next to the stick. You'll recognize the one that's grinding away quickly. Be careful not to touch anything that moves. Not only can you hear the defective part it's a lot cheaper than a stethoscope. Maybe we can get it incorporated into a new health care bill.
Bill
Butch, had the same issue a couple of months ago. It was the water pump in my case. Sounded just like the 'squeaky fan belt' that you hear.
Dan D
I bet a toilet plunger would work great too. Just dont let the neighbors see you doing it.
broom handle, long dowell rod, closet rod...anything small but of adequate length, solid, sturdy held to or near the temple quickly indicates the trouble spot. Just BE CAREFUL...
