Suddenly it started. A low whirring sound seemingly from the passenger side in engine compartment. Happens in neutral and gets louder when engine is revved up. Kind of vibrates around the inside of the car. Also happens when driving but not so apparant.

2 wks ago it was discovered I had very low tranny fluid (5 speed man.) Mechanic put in normal engine oil. Bought redline but its not in yet. Maybe this is related, maybe not. sound does not seem to be actually coming from the tranny (or clutch). More like from the pullys on the pass. side. Any tests... any thoughts?
Much appreciated...

 

Your mechanic should buy you a new transmission...And install it for free if he put engine oil in the transmission...

 

regular motor oil? please tell me you are joking....

 

your sound could be a broken manifold stud.
it could also be anything on the front of the motor.
If you have ABS, it could be your ABS pump.

 

I have a similar sound..I think it is coming from the water pump or maybe AC tension pulley? Funny thing is I just replaced water pump two months ago

 

Mine did and still kinda of does the same thing. Broken manifold studs is the problem it will only get worse!!! TRUST ME!

 

One member's transmission builder recommended motor oil in his transmission. Not sure how it's held up but haven't heard any complaints so I assume all is well. I wouldn't venture there myself without more research into it though but IIRC it was also part of the warranty conditions with the builder.



my guess would be water pump but not hearing it myself take that with a grain of salt.

 

Manifold stud some think eh? hmmm.
or perhaps ABS pump....(Yes I have ABS) is there a test I can run to eliminate the possibilities? Idles well so would that eliminate manifold leak?

I can see the pully on the water pump is a bit wobbly.. Is that an indication of bearing wear? Sound does seem to be coming from that area... so hard to say. The sound seems to have subsided somewhat. I can barely hear it now... after changing tranny fluid... coincidence? maaaaybe.

Yes mechanic put regular motor oil in tranny. Shifted fine for 2 weeks.. I put in Redline MTL yesterday.. shifts about the same. (he told me Hondas use it as well as many Nissans..) I think no harm done. (if there was- I'll let you know. Thanks to all!

 

I've never heard of motor oil in the tranny but i have heard of tranny fluid in the oil helps the detergent level. Works pretty good to be honest.

As far as a test take a piece of hose like 2-3 feet hold one end to your ear other to various parts see if it sounds like it is louder in one part of the engine bay compared to another. and have a friend rev it up high enough to get this sound.

The sound will bounce off so it may make it sound like it is coming from somewhere other than what it is this will help narrow it down a little more!

 

newer manual trannies take engin oil.
less friction = better mpg