Wizzing sound behind my right ear

[markuskj]

Evening guys,

I have just bought a 96 V8 Esprit and when I start the car I hear the sound of a small motor or some such for a few seconds, once this has stopped it is replaced be a continuous, quiet but persistent wizzing or buzzing sound, just behind the drivers seat - has anyone heard this before, is it symptomatic of some problem?

Also, how good is the air con in this car - I cant get much cold air from it, do i need this serviced?

Thanks in advance!

Mark

[f1karting]

Sorry Mark.. it must be a full moon.. Ive gotta say this..

... that whizzing sound behind your ear is THE ENGINE.

[jk1]

f1karting said:

Sorry Mark.. it must be a full moon.. Ive gotta say this.. ... that whizzing sound behind your ear is THE ENGINE.

LOL


The noise that you hear for a few seconds that stops is probably the vacuum pump. If it stops and doesn't come back on that's a good thing, no vacuum leaks.

The other noise could be the fuel pump I guess but IIRC it's in the passenger side tank not the driver's side.

Hope that helps.

JK

[autocross7]

I hear the V8 AC falls someplace between not good and really bad... check the site glass for bubbles and re-charge it yourself if you see bubbles. It is easy to do.

As for the "whiz"... I'm not sure as to the exact layout of the V8, but you may want to open the tail gate and probe a bit (carefully) with a stethescope.

Drive topless!!!
Cameron

[markuskj]

Thanjs Guys - I am glad to hear that there is not some terrible problem I am about to encounter, I am sure this noise would be better documented if I was! I am just being paranoid as I bought her 5 weeks ago and have had to replace the altenator, the clutch, the flywheel and various seals already (thankfully not at my expense).

Cheers

Mark

[markuskj]

Thanks Guys - I am glad to hear that there is not some terrible problem I am about to encounter, I am sure this noise would be better documented if I was! I am just being paranoid as I bought her 5 weeks ago and have had to replace the altenator, the clutch, the flywheel and various seals already (thankfully not at my expense).

Cheers

Mark

[techspy]

One trick I have found to help isolate noises is to use a long (2-3ft) rubber hose. Hold one end to your ear and probe around with the other. I have located many leaks/tappings etc with this method.
I am not sure about the v8's, but my S4 has two devices that makes noises similar to what you are describing. One is the ABS pump located in teh front boot, but I only notice it immediatly after startup, then it stops. The other is the vacuum pump which is located in the rear boot. It is usually running constantly when the ignition is on. Hope this helps.

John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html

[jk1]

Hey John,

If your vacuum pump is running constantly then you have a leak somewhere. Mine was doing that and one of the relays was leaking. Could also be in the lines somewhere of course.

Jim

[jesprit]

Could you have an electric chargecooler pump retrofitted??? A long shot but another possibility perhaps. (I am assuming V8s have chargecoolers here)

Jason
'89 SE

[rob.e]

jesprit said:

Could you have an electric chargecooler pump retrofitted??? A long shot but another possibility perhaps. (I am assuming V8s have chargecoolers here) Jason '89 SE

Unfortunately, no chargecoolers on a v8

[kmaier]

markuskj said:

Evening guys, I have just bought a 96 V8 Esprit and when I start the car I hear the sound of a small motor or some such for a few seconds, once this has stopped it is replaced be a continuous, quiet but persistent wizzing or buzzing sound, just behind the drivers seat - has anyone heard this before, is it symptomatic of some problem? Also, how good is the air con in this car - I cant get much cold air from it, do i need this serviced? Thanks in advance! Mark

Hi Mark,

The V8 has a couple noise-makers... when you first turn on the ignition, you will hear the fuel pump for a few seconds. Once started (cold) you will hear the air pump which is electric and hidden in the left rear boot section. This will go off after the car warms up. Note: there is no vacuum pump in the V8.

As for the AC, the V8 suffers from some bad parts. The early V8s (hint: this certainly includes yours) had alloy pipes to the rear of the compressor and were later replaced with soft steel lines to keep from cracking. Overall, the AC is okay but you need to be certain you have a proper charge (forget the sight glass as they are useless with R134a) and have a clean radiator duct and properly working fans. Also note that overcharging the system is a very bad thing and will increase outlet temperature and lead to premature failure of AC parts due to superheating.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[jesprit]

rob.e said:

jesprit said: Could you have an electric chargecooler pump retrofitted??? A long shot but another possibility perhaps. (I am assuming V8s have chargecoolers here) Jason '89 SE Unfortunately, no chargecoolers on a v8

D'Oh

[markuskj]

Many thanks guys for all the help - this has been a real education. What a friendly resource of enthusiasts.