Post Timing Belt and Water pump Job, Engine is louder

[freewayross]

Hi all, just got done replacing timing belt, water pump and valve cover gaskets on 98 Montero. Haven't put the belts on yet, but wanted to check so started it. Everything looks good except engine sounds louder at idle than before.

I checked EGR pipe, it was loose to valve cover so tightened that and started it again but the sound didn't go. The sound is metallic.

Any clues or tips?

Thanks

 

[RyanY]

Use a mechanic's stethoscope to try to pinpoint the area that the noise is coming from, which should give you a pretty good idea of what's making the noise. Alternatively, you can use a long screwdriver, touching one end against various surfaces on the engine and the other end against your ear. Being careful of the moving parts should go without saying.

Just thinking out loud - did you make sure you have the updated crank pulley bolt and is it torqued to the updated torque spec?

 

[nwoods]

The belts aren't on yet? I would think that would change everything. The amount of drag introduced by the belts has to be significant.

 

[PA_JERO]

This may sound slightly stupid. But when ever doing a full service like that, I have noticed a significant amount of engine noise since the block has drained most all of its coolant out. Once the engine block has coolant back in it, it seems to go back to normal. Might be worth a shot.

 

[freewayross]

Thanks guys these suggestions seems to have worked, the sound suppressed when we put everything belts, radiator, coolant. Thanks for your help

 

[Fasteddy]

Timing covers damp the valve train sound.