Recently my 2000 Discovery 2 began making an odd grinding occasionally on cold starts. It started the day after a wheeling trip where I took the wrong line through a water crossing and drove into a pit, the engine got pretty wet. I think whats more significant is it was a long day (8+ hours) of driving. The video attached was filmed that morning, probably between 40-60 degs F. It stopped after 5-10 minutes. The next time it happened, weeks later, was at a camp site after a full day of driving, and again, it stopped after 5-10 minutes. It was also very cold. I haven't been able to reproduce since in similar temperatures.

I don't know if this play in the tensioner pulley is normal, there are no marks on the back that indicate it's ground against the metal.


To me it sounds like one of the top pulleys, but without being able to reproduce I have no way to know for sure.


Any ideas? Thanks guys.

 

tensioner/pulley and idler pulleys are inexpensive. Replace them, and get a new belt if needed. LK8 has a kit...

 

Thanks. I have a full set I keep as spare as well as a spare alternator. I just don't know enough to be sure that noise is even a pulley, but it sounds like it? I also have a spare alternator, but I'm guessing my OEM Bosch has a lower chance of failure than the aftermarket I got from Rovers North, so not sure if I should swap it too.

 

when you replace the belt and pulleys, spin the alternator shaft and see if it is smooth. There should be absolutely no grinding or 'hard to turn' on the alt shaft. Also, before you take everything apart, and with the engine running, you can get a long screwdriver (like 2 foot) or mechanics stethoscope, put the metal end on the alternator and the other end to your ear and listen for the grinding. This is a pretty accurate method to localize the abnormal sound......

and if it goes away after the fix, you found it....

BE SURE to use correct washer spacer for idler pulley (I think it's the idler), sometimes this is missing...

 

Thank you. I tried to listen with a screwdriver but unfortunately it's only happened twice in weeks, so hard to tell. Also, the new kit includes the spacer type insert.

 

I have a LActrical 150 ( i think the RR version) amp alternator....about 150$ . Has worked fine for 3 years...

and BTW, your pulley looked loose in your vid....

 

Thanks. Are you referring to the tensioner or the alternator? I assume the tensioner, if you see significant play in the alternator you have a good eye!

Tackling the job tomorrow morning, will let you know how it goes.

 

tensioner...