This problem has me going. I have a '93 Tempo with a 2.3 w/air. Just under 60,000 miles.
There is a rattling noise coming from the front of the engine at idle. Almost like sheet metal rattling. If I bring the engine speed up about
300 RPM it goes away.If I remove the belt it goes away. I noticed that if I disconnect the wire to the alternator it also mostly stops. Just a little ding every 5 or 6 seconds.
Now to what I have tried. I have replaced the idler pulley, the belt tensioner and the alternator.
If I listen with a stethoscope to the A/C compressor, Alt., W/P, and power steering pump I don't hear the noise from any of them. I don't hear the noise coming from the front cover area when I listen there (thinking timing chain). It is loud enough to hear from 50 feet away. I just can't pin point where.
It isn't a new belt on it, but I did change it with a spare I had (the old one I kept when I installed this one).
The embarrassing part is that I have been a truck mechanic for over 36 years now and I can't find a noise. Neither has anyone else where I work.
Has anyone run into something like this themselves? Any ideas?
Thank You for any help you can give this frustrated mechanic.
Bob