Very loud whining noise from corolla diesel engine-any ides?

[TWSTD]

Im lookin at buying a run-about corolla and its a 4wd diesel.

The cars in reas condition for its kms, but the engine - there is a rather loud whining noise - you notice it straight away. Its like a cross between the kinda sound you get from alternator whine through your car stereo and bad gearbox whine... so it changes pitch with revs. Now i know nothing about diesel engines, but had it been a petrol i would have assumed that some bearings somewhere are in a very bad state.

Anyow here a diesel mechanic? Or know of one who i cd take the car to tomorrow or wed n get em to listen to it for an opinion?

AL

[Elmo]

Just take it to any mechanic, its totally possible for a bearing to have failed in the alt, just like a petrol car. Other than how the engine is fueled, petrols and diesels are basically the same.

Check for holes in boost hoses (if turboed)

[Lloyd]

Yeah, best bet would be to shoot into a garage and just ask them to see if they can tell you what it is. Could be any any number of things really (without hearing it).

[DFECTED]

Make sure you do take it to a Diesel Mechanic, you could end up spending alot more for someone who doesnt know what they doing to tell you what they think may be wrong.

It could be a common fault amongst these, we have the corollas, mazdas and ford escorts through regularly (The Diesel Doctor) but I dont work on them so I dont know whats wrong. Ill ask tomorrow and post tomorrow night if you havent found your problem.

[TWSTD]

cool - thanks.

It def sounded like it was comin from the left hand side fo teh engine (alternator side) - I will try get another look at the car soon n try get someone else to inspect it for me

AL

[10k 20v]

AN ENGINE IS AN ENGINE IS AN ENGINE.

I'd be placing my money on a noisey cambelt tensioner or idler.

Any qual mech worth there salt should be able to tell u what's going on

[gtz666]

pm evil si if you haven't been in contact already that is

[evil_si]

true. by the sounds, id put my money on one of the idlers or possibly a belt. with out seeing or hearing its hard to diagnose

[TWSTD]

I am trying to get hold of a car for an hour or some sometime to take it somewhere to get looked at... maybe tuesday with any luck. Anyone here volunteering to stick their head under the bonnet for a best guess diagnosis?

[evil_si]

i will, im in manuakau by day, and east pakuranga by night,
night would suit me better.
if your interested let me know.
simon. 021 381 574

[TWSTD]

Thanks - will be in touch