Engine Grinding Noise HELP!!

[autorem123]

OH NO! Engine has begun making this new but quickly growing louder heavy, grinding noise at idle and increases with idle. There is also this intermittent click, like a bottle cap or nut being thrown around every once in awhile. Is this timing belt out of whack? Or a main bearing? Or broken Valve?
The car has has relatively normal power under acceleration, just a Heck Of A Lot Of Grinding Noise!!!
I did have idle problems which I was able to stabilize with idle control valve adjustment.
Any help will be appreciated.!

[Doug Tatham]

Check your belts. (Alternator...) Make sure they're not too tight. Hopefully it's nothing more serious.

[autorem123]

Ah, you're right! I'll check them! Thanks! The noise did seem to begin around the pulley wheels, at least at that side of the engine compartment. I did have the timing belt replaced last year. Here I am approaching another cold NH winter & I don't have a garage to work on her in, lol.

[autorem123]

Originally Posted by Doug Tatham

Check your belts. (Alternator...) Make sure they're not too tight. Hopefully it's nothing more serious.

It's the WATER PUMP about to seize up! Having it replaced.

[Doug Tatham]

Originally Posted by autorem123

It's the WATER PUMP about to seize up! Having it replaced.

He could be right. Are you losing coolant. Usually the seal goes out and the coolant seeps through the bearing and starts a squeeling noise. After awhile it will cause the bearing to wipe and destroy the rest of the seal and your coolant will gush out. Check for coolant or residue near the seep hole.

[mike1989]

check your exhaust make sure its tight because if it is loose it will make a grinding noise in the engine