good afternoon unfortunately another rover problem just happened out of the blue im getting a strange noise from the front of the engine compartment ive removed the guard for a better view; the mechanic that did my head gaskets last summers suggested it may be the water pump or bearing(s)? anyone have any thoughts? also i should note that at the same time this happened the ac started blowing hot air, any help would be greatly appreciated thx


couldnt upload the video here so i posted it on youtube heres the link:

 

By the video, your a/c clutch was not spinning, hence no cold air.
Remove the belt and spin each pulely to find the problem.

 

i noticed that wasnt spinning, not very mechanical is it safe to drive somewhere w/o causing further harm?

 

If you are still making a strange noise, no. The fact that the a/c clutch is not spinning, doesn't mean it is what is making the noise.

 

oh i see thanks for the heads up

 

You have a bearing that is going out, you do not have very long.
Like Mike said, your guy needs to remove the belt and spin everything by hand to find the problem.

 

Really need to give each pulley a spin and if you can't hear it put a mechanics stethoscope OR screw driver on it and you will hear it. (put bigger end of screw driver touching ear)

 

thank you for the advice is this common/simple problem? inexpensive?

 

Yes, in all types of vehicles. Idler pulleys can simply wear out, and more expensive deices, like alternators, power steering pumps, and AC compressors can also fail. In the old days there were several belts, now you simply put a wrench on the tensioner, release tension, and slip off the belt. DRAW THE BELT ROUTE FIRST. With the belt off (not just slack), you can spin each item checking for noises or the roughness feeling. You can even crank and idle the engine for a short time to check for the noise. You may confirm it came from something belt driven, or it may be coming from somewhere more expensive.

BTW - inspect the belt, if caracks and splits, sections of ribs missing, time for a new one. Keep old one as emergency spare. Don't get degreaser spray on the new belt.

The listening trick works very well bacause sound travels faster through a solid, and it lets you hear above the noise of the engine and fan. You can also hear bearing noises quite well. Keep your dreadlocks tied back, rotating machinery only respects those that respect it.

Prices vary, most expensive will be AC compressor and power steering pump, etc. Quickest to kill engine will be water pump. Parts sources include on line (Atlantic British, Rovers North, and others), dismantlers, salvage yards, and fleabay.