New owner - engine whine noise
Discussion
I ve just picked up a 71 plate pure model with 23k miles on the clock. Loving the car so far and getting to know it.
When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 1st March 12:52
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 1st March 16:34
Howdy, congrats on the purchase and welcome to the fold. Glad you're enjoying it!
I think - and am happy to be corrected here - what you're hearing is the timing chain. Which on a RHD car is unfortunately somewhat nearer to your ear. It's most noticeable when you keep the revs up so that might tally with your getting to know the car a bit better. It isn't a wonderful sound but I can and do overlook it on mine because of all the other things they do brilliantly.
I can say with much more confidence that it is not related to fuel pump. The only symptom of that was the engine ceasing to run. Your car should have been recalled for that already.
Nick
I think - and am happy to be corrected here - what you're hearing is the timing chain. Which on a RHD car is unfortunately somewhat nearer to your ear. It's most noticeable when you keep the revs up so that might tally with your getting to know the car a bit better. It isn't a wonderful sound but I can and do overlook it on mine because of all the other things they do brilliantly.
I can say with much more confidence that it is not related to fuel pump. The only symptom of that was the engine ceasing to run. Your car should have been recalled for that already.
Nick
Hoofty said:
Howdy, congrats on the purchase and welcome to the fold. Glad you're enjoying it!
I think - and am happy to be corrected here - what you're hearing is the timing chain. Which on a RHD car is unfortunately somewhat nearer to your ear. It's most noticeable when you keep the revs up so that might tally with your getting to know the car a bit better. It isn't a wonderful sound but I can and do overlook it on mine because of all the other things they do brilliantly.
I can say with much more confidence that it is not related to fuel pump. The only symptom of that was the engine ceasing to run. Your car should have been recalled for that already.
Nick
Thanks, that s helpful. I don t mind the noise if it is normal, although when pressing on it is quite loud. Under normal driving it sounds like a very quiet whistle. I think - and am happy to be corrected here - what you're hearing is the timing chain. Which on a RHD car is unfortunately somewhat nearer to your ear. It's most noticeable when you keep the revs up so that might tally with your getting to know the car a bit better. It isn't a wonderful sound but I can and do overlook it on mine because of all the other things they do brilliantly.
I can say with much more confidence that it is not related to fuel pump. The only symptom of that was the engine ceasing to run. Your car should have been recalled for that already.
Nick
Car is booked in at Alpine Manchester on 9th March for 4 year service so I ll get them to check it.
I may get the coolant changed at the same time. The coolant level in the left side reservoir is at the minimum and has a slight orange tint to it. The right side tank is full and coolant is bright green/yellow.
Car has full service history and was last serviced 6k ago.
It goes well and certainly pulls well so no issues there.
I have also noticed the engine bay smells very hot when switching off after a spirited drive, which I assume is normal.
I love how easily it changes direction and the way it deals with poor road surfaces. Looking forward to some roads trips this spring!
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 1st March 19:37
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 1st March 19:37
All sounds exactly like mine (levels/colours/sounds/whiff)! If I describe it as 'normal', that's in the context of >40k miles on mine, having had it from new. I'm trusting others with any contrary info to chime in! 
There are two cooling circuits (engine radiator and chargecooler circuit, IIRC), hence the two tanks and different colours. Dave Pook mapped it out both circuits a few years ago, I'll see if I can find the pic. But LH one does tend to read low when cold.
By all means, do mention all of the above at the service for more professional reassurance. If memory serves, year 4 service calls for both plugs and gearbox oil, so get a quote before adding any extras!
There are two cooling circuits (engine radiator and chargecooler circuit, IIRC), hence the two tanks and different colours. Dave Pook mapped it out both circuits a few years ago, I'll see if I can find the pic. But LH one does tend to read low when cold.
By all means, do mention all of the above at the service for more professional reassurance. If memory serves, year 4 service calls for both plugs and gearbox oil, so get a quote before adding any extras!
said:
I expect there is limited sound insulation and obviously having an engine right behind your head means you’ll hear more of the mechanical noises insulated in a normal car. Let’s face it as well, modern engines don’t usually sound great with the bonnet up when revved!
Yep expecting a big bill for the 4th service so I’m braced for the quote 😂
Naturally_aspirated said:
I ve just picked up a 71 plate pure model with 23k miles on the clock. Loving the car so far and getting to know it.
When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
Think that sound is normal, my 6 month old a110s makes a similar noise. When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 1st March 12:52
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 1st March 16:34
I have had a whiff of coolant now and again, and the left hand bottle has needed topping up a couple of times -probably 500ml or so over 30k miles. I don't think know why I think this, but I believe Renault have changed their coolant, and that the new one isn't lime green. I haven't had a coolant change yet (it's a Y4 service item and mine's a Sept 22 registration); can anyone confirm this?
julians said:
Naturally_aspirated said:
I ve just picked up a 71 plate pure model with 23k miles on the clock. Loving the car so far and getting to know it.
When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
Think that sound is normal, my 6 month old a110s makes a similar noise. When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 1st March 12:52
Edited by Naturally_aspirated on Sunday 1st March 16:34
LE62NDE said:
I have had a whiff of coolant now and again, and the left hand bottle has needed topping up a couple of times -probably 500ml or so over 30k miles. I don't think know why I think this, but I believe Renault have changed their coolant, and that the new one isn't lime green. I haven't had a coolant change yet (it's a Y4 service item and mine's a Sept 22 registration); can anyone confirm this?
I thought it was a bit odd that the coolant isn’t exactly the same colour in both reservoirs on mine. I’ll get a bottle to top mine up. Sounds like losing some coolant is normal on these but I’m used to coolant levels being stable so would be keen to understand why it drops too.Naturally_aspirated said:
I thought it was a bit odd that the coolant isn t exactly the same colour in both reservoirs on mine. I ll get a bottle to top mine up. Sounds like losing some coolant is normal on these but I m used to coolant levels being stable so would be keen to understand why it drops too.
They start the same colour, but the LH does seem to change with use (I've owned mine from new). Like others, mine has occasionally needed topping up in the LH tank but never RH. The coolant often does seem to run at 100C or just over (according to the telemetrics), particularly when cruising in 7th, so I wonder if it's as simple as the pressure cap isn't quite enough for the operating temps and a little bit evaporates off over time - while the chargecooler circuit never gets that hot.LE62NDE said:
I have had a whiff of coolant now and again, and the left hand bottle has needed topping up a couple of times -probably 500ml or so over 30k miles. I don't think know why I think this, but I believe Renault have changed their coolant, and that the new one isn't lime green. I haven't had a coolant change yet (it's a Y4 service item and mine's a Sept 22 registration); can anyone confirm this?
The coolant in my 25 GT, for engine and intercooler is Blue.jont- said:
Naturally_aspirated said:
I thought it was a bit odd that the coolant isn t exactly the same colour in both reservoirs on mine. I ll get a bottle to top mine up. Sounds like losing some coolant is normal on these but I m used to coolant levels being stable so would be keen to understand why it drops too.
They start the same colour, but the LH does seem to change with use (I've owned mine from new). Like others, mine has occasionally needed topping up in the LH tank but never RH. The coolant often does seem to run at 100C or just over (according to the telemetrics), particularly when cruising in 7th, so I wonder if it's as simple as the pressure cap isn't quite enough for the operating temps and a little bit evaporates off over time - while the chargecooler circuit never gets that hot.Naturally_aspirated said:
I have also noticed the engine bay smells very hot when switching off after a spirited drive, which I assume is normal.
I love how easily it changes direction and the way it deals with poor road surfaces. Looking forward to some roads trips this spring!
Congratulations and welcome to the club. I'm sure you'll have great journeys with your Alpine.I love how easily it changes direction and the way it deals with poor road surfaces. Looking forward to some roads trips this spring!
I really don't think that the heat is reaching the levels that can cause a fire but to reduce it I always cool down the car before parking. I do that no matter if it was a spirited drive or not. Also before turning off the engine I'm waiting for 1-2 minutes at least. If you have telemetrics you can follow coolant and oil temperatures to follow the impact of cooling down.
Feel free to share your road trips.
Safak said:
Naturally_aspirated said:
I have also noticed the engine bay smells very hot when switching off after a spirited drive, which I assume is normal.
I love how easily it changes direction and the way it deals with poor road surfaces. Looking forward to some roads trips this spring!
Congratulations and welcome to the club. I'm sure you'll have great journeys with your Alpine.I love how easily it changes direction and the way it deals with poor road surfaces. Looking forward to some roads trips this spring!
I really don't think that the heat is reaching the levels that can cause a fire but to reduce it I always cool down the car before parking. I do that no matter if it was a spirited drive or not. Also before turning off the engine I'm waiting for 1-2 minutes at least. If you have telemetrics you can follow coolant and oil temperatures to follow the impact of cooling down.
Feel free to share your road trips.
I’ll post some pics when I get chance. The main road trip planned so far is to Le Mans 24 hr in June. Perhaps with a little detour via Alpine in Dieppe.
Hoofty said:
All sounds exactly like mine (levels/colours/sounds/whiff)! If I describe it as 'normal', that's in the context of >40k miles on mine, having had it from new. I'm trusting others with any contrary info to chime in!
There are two cooling circuits (engine radiator and chargecooler circuit, IIRC), hence the two tanks and different colours. Dave Pook mapped it out both circuits a few years ago, I'll see if I can find the pic. But LH one does tend to read low when cold.
By all means, do mention all of the above at the service for more professional reassurance. If memory serves, year 4 service calls for both plugs and gearbox oil, so get a quote before adding any extras!
Coolant is year 5, plugs year 6:There are two cooling circuits (engine radiator and chargecooler circuit, IIRC), hence the two tanks and different colours. Dave Pook mapped it out both circuits a few years ago, I'll see if I can find the pic. But LH one does tend to read low when cold.
By all means, do mention all of the above at the service for more professional reassurance. If memory serves, year 4 service calls for both plugs and gearbox oil, so get a quote before adding any extras!
Naturally_aspirated said:
I ve just picked up a 71 plate pure model with 23k miles on the clock. Loving the car so far and getting to know it.
When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
Quite probably normal. You get quite a bit of turbo noise, transmission whine and other things. A lot of reviewers also mention high pitched noises when driving the car.When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
The low pressure fuel pump (that on certain model years had a recall) is in the front, so very unlikely to be that. Congrats on the car!
Rob_RCF said:
Naturally_aspirated said:
I ve just picked up a 71 plate pure model with 23k miles on the clock. Loving the car so far and getting to know it.
When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
Quite probably normal. You get quite a bit of turbo noise, transmission whine and other things. A lot of reviewers also mention high pitched noises when driving the car.When pressing on there is quite a loud whine, almost like a supercharger or transmission whine from the intake area over my right shoulder. I have the sports exhaust and in normal mode it doesn t appear to be as loud but is still present.
I get the gurgly intake noise but also a high pitched noise building with the revs which I didn t pick up on during the test drive and I m not sure if it s normal. I can t find any mention in any posts of this.
I ll be getting the car serviced at Alpine Manchester so will get them to check it out but does anyone else get a similar sound?
EDIT: found some issues reported with fuel pump whine on the Renault megane RS300 which I think shares the same fuel pump.
Was a whine one of the symptoms for failing fuel pumps?
The low pressure fuel pump (that on certain model years had a recall) is in the front, so very unlikely to be that. Congrats on the car!
Starting to explore what the car can do and what a bit of kit it is. Warm dry roads today and it felt amazing. I like the noise it makes too when you’re on it. The mechanical noises add character.
I’m well chuffed so far with it.
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