mach1417

ENGINE NOISE Need Help.



I have a 2000 mustang 3.8 auto, when its hot and in gear only, I also give it a little gas just over idle and a eratic tapping noise appaers. sometime at idle it will happen if its been running long enough. take the belt off and it goes away! check for loose bolts pulleys and balancer all ok. definately coming from the front of the motor, from the water pump timing cover area.runs great no problems execpt for this noise. when i first heard it I thought for sure it was a loose torque converter bolt untill I traced the noise to the front of the engine any help or suggestions would be appreciated! I am a tech by trade but this is stumping me as well!

I think it is the water pump but I have never had a water pump with a tapping or knock?

Thanks
mach1417

7 UP Mustang

I do not think it is the water pump. How old is the belt? I have had belts produce some strange noises. Look at the bottom of the belt to see if something is caught between groves, or if it is an old belt, it might be a good time to replace it any way. Be sure and get a good belt, and not a cheap one. I prefer Gates, but there are other good brands too. Good luck!

Larry