996 Engine Whine - Is this normal on recentlyrebuilt engine?

[angrybob]

Hi all,

I have a weird whine in my 03 996 which makes it sound like a sewing machine. Unfortunately I have only had the car a few weeks.

I have done many searches and heard similar sounds with no conclusive solution. Some says its normal, a couple of others have identified thrust bearing or pilot bearing.

Key points:
- The whine varies with revs
- Occurs when stationary, does not matter if moving or not
- Depressing the clutch makes no difference
- Also occurs with the serpentine belt removed, so not alternator/pulleys (I wish it was that easy!)
- It is not the SAI pump, that makes a different whine (and I have that one, but not bothered!)

This is also a Hartech rebuilt engine around 10k miles ago, also had the clutch done at the same time.

Find the sound with the belt on below (listen to revving):
http://youtu.be/8aujI_tbocY

Find the sound with the belt off (skip the pulley checking part), you will see they sound the same:
http://youtu.be/-zi633t8frU

Anyone had a similar problem and solved it? Or is it normal and I should not worry about it, because apart from that the engine sounds sweet.

Thanks

[angrybob]

Nothing yet, today was where I just about pulled together all the videos.

I think I just want to acertain whether this is normal or not initially.

Apart from the 'whine' the engine sounds and performs very good, but I need to get some more reference points.

[angrybob]

Hi all,

Thanks for your feedback.

Just to clarify regarding Hartech, they are 250 miles away from me right now and the rebuild (quite extensive) was from the previous owner of the car about 15months ago. I have all the details/job#. I preferred the approach of asking what is normal before I begin to bother what is a clearly very busy and reputable shop, and I would understand their reluctance to diagnose via a youtube clip and would much rather see a car in person.

Apologies for the name mention, this was from a positive viewpoint due to their considerable reputation I wouldn't expect there to be any problem. No malice intended as the engine sounds streets ahead of non rebuilt engines.

Regarding running with no belt, that was a stone cold engine running for 10s at most, and I figured it was worth the diagnostic as I would have been asked to try this anyway (or the local Indy would have done right away).

So looks like most people say this is normal for a 996 to sound like a whiney sewing machine (to me it sounds like a knackered bearing!). I think I will get some more reference points this weekend with other 996/986 and report back.

Thanks for input.

[angrybob]

Well, IMS went once, whats another time between friends?

[angrybob]

Mine doesn't sound like that! Have you check the belt initially?

[angrybob]

Did get a chance to listen to a 996 today - Sounded the same only a tiny bit quieter (still a sewing machine). Will get a chance to listen to some more in the coming days.