5SFE - Ringing noise at idle

[FRANKENCAMRY]

My 94 5SFE (in a 93 body) seems to run fine but makes a rigning/whistling noise at idle. Any ideas what this might be? I want it to purr like my buddy's 94.

[Shadetree Mechanix]

Originally Posted by FRANKENCAMRY

My 94 5SFE (in a 93 body) seems to run fine but makes a rigning/whistling noise at idle. Any ideas what this might be? I want it to purr like by buddy's 94.

Could be the "flexpipe". It's the pipe between the exhaust manifold collector and the main exhuast pipe.

Or it could also be the "generic-type" muffler you got compared to your buddy's OEM Toyota muffler.

[FRANKENCAMRY]

Just this week replaced the flexpipe which solved a small leak under the heatshield just upstream of the flex. Unfortunately it did not solve the ringing noise. I wonder if a bad or dirty PCV or EGR valve could make noise? Or maybe a bearing somewhere? It seems to be coming from the top of the engine near the valve cover. I've taken the manifold shield off and checked for leaks - none found.

[Mike Gerber]

Use a mechanic's stethoscope or a piece of garden hose and listen to the alternator, power steering pump, the a/c unit and under the timing belt covers. It could be a bearing or a pulley in any of these units. Listen under the timing belt covers to see if the noise is a pulley there or possibly the water pump.

Mike