Cars & Trucks Logo
Posted on Jan 13, 2010
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Growling engine noise only at idle. Cam area

I have a 1988 Delta 88 with 170,000 mi. Engine started making a loud growling noise at an idle. Rev the engine up and it stops. Sounds high like a cam shaft. Runs ok but it is loud at the idle.

  • Anonymous Mar 17, 2014

    loud growling noise and vibration

×

2 Answers

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

  • Master 437 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 13, 2010
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

Joined: May 30, 2009
Answers
437
Questions
0
Helped
251039
Points
1643

Take all of the belts off for a short run at idle. If the sound goes away it is pulley related, spin each pulley and listen for bearing noise, also check for play at this time.

If the noise does not go away when the motor is driving no accessories you have a more serious problem.

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

  • Contributor 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jan 11, 2013
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Joined: Jan 11, 2013
Answers
1
Questions
0
Helped
636
Points
1

Hey bud, I got a 87 Olds 88 with 3.8 and over 200,000 kms., last few months started to develop loud noises near front of engine, especially when warmed up and oil thin, thought it was valve train or cam, however after taking serpentine belt off and listening carefully came to conclusion its the timing chain and tightner. Mechanics tell me common problem at 150 plus and new chain and gears etc., will fix. Sounds like a little diesel when idle, however when revved up settles down? Mine did. Hope this helps. Still haven't fixed mine, parked and bought another car for now.

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

1helpful
1answer

What is the growling noise coming from my 94 civic motor

Water pump or pulley most likely.

Always replace water pump and pulleys when you do the timing belt.

Also you may have overtightened the belt.

NOTE, Kevlar belts will make a "whirring" noise for a few thousand miles after replacement, but not a growling.
1helpful
2answers

My 2009 nissan altima has a loud growling sound

This could be one of two things. We will first start with a wheel bearing. When you are driving, does the growling noise get louder as you go faster. Some times is will sound like you have a helicopter flying beside you depending on how bad the bearing is. The second thing that could be causing the growling noise is your transmission. There are also bearings inside your transmission that could be causing the noise. If you have a cvt transmission, you have a 120,000 mile warranty and can have it repaired at no cost to you. You will just have to go to a nissan dealership.
0helpful
1answer

Front end growling

check the wheel bearings for condition and adjustment
0helpful
1answer

2005 Escape engine making growling sound

I believe it is the power take off unit (PTO).......
Can be a bit pricy to replace....

I hope this helps...
0helpful
1answer

1997 expedition after i go over 40 miles engine is growling shifting but a littlle sluggish

I have had similar complaints that turned out to be the Idle Air Control (IAC) solenoid. The solenoid can get a little weak and air coming in through the intake at certain speeds can cause it to start vibrating. It sets off a moaning sound that resonates through the intake ducts and can get VERY loud. Sometimes it almost sounds like a fog horn.

If this is the type of noise you are hearing, replacing the IAC will fix it.

Other than that, the only suggestion I have is to see if you can get it to make the noise while the vehicle is sitting still. Slowly accelerate the engine speed with the vehicle stopped and the transmission PARK to see if it will make the noise. If the vehicle has to be moving to make the noise, then that eliminates several possibilities like the IAC, fan clutch, pullies, etc.....things that operate the same whether the vehicle is moving or sitting still.
1helpful
2answers

Loud noise while driving

It is your Wheel Bearings. I just changed mine out on my Grand Am with the same problem. Now I have no humming noise.

Not finding what you are looking for?

646 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Oldsmobile Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29494 Answers

Are you an Oldsmobile Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...