Grinding/bearing failure noise under small load (1093cc)

Hi All,
Brought home my first Mk1 a couple of nights ago, but after a few miles of driving I noticed a slight grinding/bearing failure sort of noise, as if a chain was rubbing against a metal guard, coming from the front of the vehicle. I'm sure it wasn't there when I began the journey and it only seemed to fade when pulling away, placing the engine under quite a load. On the way into work over the past two mornings the same things occured. Quiet to start with then after 2 or 3 miles appearing when the engines under small loads. The noise is linked to the RPM and is present when the vehicles stationary (even with the clutch depressed) and in motion (except in gear 1 & 2 on pull away)

Any ideas what this could be and is this common on Mk1's

BTW the car an "83" 1093cc C formel E with 122414 mile on the clock

(This was initially posted under Running gear, but I think its more suited here so apologies to anyone who's already read this thread.)

Cheers

you dont have any gards rubbing.. e,g cambelt cover..

i would take off the aulinator fan belt,, and run the engin and see if teh noise persists ( dont drive it far as this will not b chargin teh batt )

Usually water pump or alternator,so beware incase it throws the timing belt  8O
take the fan belt off and try it first,if its still noisy it may be the water pump
Bert

Cheers,
A few people I know have suggested that it could be horizontial movement in the cam or crank shaft, or even my big ends as it quitens down under load. Could either of these be possible?'

i woulds start withe teh easyest.. go on wip off that fan belt,,  


if its a bottom end, u would have poor oil pressure,, so u could wack a gauge on there, and see what its like compaired to the hainse book

I'm on my stag do this wkend so won't be able to play. As soon as I start whipping stuff off I'll let you know

Cheers

BTW - At key on my temp and oil lamps flash. Is that normal? On every other car I've had they just illuminate.

na that normal,, mine is the same,, then teh water one goes out after like 10 secs, and the oil after 1sec of starting

If it was big ends then it would be more of a thumping/knocking noise.

When you are at idle with the engine running and you press the clutch do the revs drop? 100-150rpm is acceptable but any more than that and I would say you have a problem. This is most likely to be your thrusts are worn. If thats the case then you need to get them replaced asap.

I built an engine and for some reason fitted the wrong thrusts that were a bit too thin, was fine for a few thousand miles but when they had worn a little, they fell out. When I stripped the engine down I found the remains of 1 out of the 4 and it was welded to my crank, which was ruined and had to be scrapped. Never found the other 3!

Also as already said, check the alternator because the end bearing can go dry and break up causing all kinds of noises before it seizes.

Cheers for your replys, I don't think it is the thust bearing as the noise is present even with the clutch dipped and theres no real change in RPM. I still plan to check the alernator and water pump.
Just a thought, is there any thing in or around the distributer that could be the source of the problem. I only ask as when I'm sitting it the vehicle It sounds as if the noise is coming from the left hand side of the engine. probally just due to the bulkhead but thought I'd ask

Cheers

Hi Again,
Finally got around to checking the Alternator and changing the Water Pump. Unfortunatly the noise is still present.

To recap I have a grinding, bearing failure sort of noise in all engine running conditions apart from when I pull away in 1st or 2nd gear. Its there whether I'm stationary or moving, have the clutch depressed or not, and in all gears (apart from that explained above) and increases with RPM.

Can anyone help? :dontknow: