2000 Chevy Cavalier grinding noise in the engine

2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
97,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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OPALGIRL26
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  • 1 POST
When I start the car there is a grinding noise from the engine. It use to go away sometimes but now is there all the time. it does not go away when I turn the heat controls towards the windshield. ( which a mechanic on another site suggested I try because he thought it was the a/c clutch). I sprayed Belt Dressing on the serpentine belts but the grinding noise is still there. Someone suggested the water pump was going??? Any suggestions?
Jan 24, 2010 at 4:44 PM
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FREEMBA
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Try removing the serpentine belt and then start the engine (only run it for a few seconds - less than 60). If the noise dissapears, then you know that it is one of the accessories (i. e., alternator, water pump, a/c etc.). If the noise does not go away you know that it's in the engine (in this case check the harmonic balancer to see if its' wobbling of shaking). if that's OK check the flywheel/starter area.

Hope this helps.
Jan 25, 2010 at 10:54 AM
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