Engine whirring noise

I've done so, and I really can't. I have about zero experience with cars.

As far as I can tell, it's coming from the passenger side of the engine, so I thought it might be a belt issue (it looks a little worn, but not cracked), but then I also heard that if my car needs an oil change (which it does and is on my to do list for this week), it can make a similar noise.

Don't know the previous owner, got it from a dealership.

The oil level. Damn, knew I'd meant to check something when I got back from the grocery store. Well, two handfuls of grocery bags and new snow will make you forget stuff like staying outside in freezing temperatures to check your oil.

I'll get back to you soon about that, prolly tomorrow morning. In the meantime, any thoughts on what it might be?

To clarify the noise, it almost sounds like rolling your R's with your tongue (my boyfriend calls it a very fast ticking, but I disagree). So I guess a metallic vibration of sorts. Dunno.

Okay, update.

I got an oil change, they checked the oil level and all, and it's still there, persistent as ever. In fact, I'd say it's worse, since it's been a little warmer recently. It's more audible.

It's definitely coming from the vicinity of the (what I believe is) serpentine belt, the lower left hand side of the engine. The belt looks a little worn, and has a discoloration that you can see as it zips by.

The mechanic did a visual inspection when he changed my oil (although I'd trust that about as far as I could throw him), and said that all my belts were in good order. But. Yeah.

Oh, and the mechanic called it a "ticking" noise. So, I guess the men overrule me.

Hey, I only use Burt's Bees chapstick. And only because it's winter and my face is dry.

But I shall try that indeed.

Do you know about how much it would cost to fix a serpentine belt, if that is the problem? My finances are looking pretty bleak right now, so I'm hoping it's not too much.

And sorry to ruin your faith in my boyfriend, but he says, in his own words, "I have no idea what that really means."

How does one go about bumping the starter?

Thanks for the patience, btw.

Well, he told me to say in his defense that the minute he read your actual post instead of me just asking, "Do you know how to bump a starter?", He knew what you meant.

And for all intents and purposes, it seems that he did, as we did eventually get the belt queued up to the discolored area. Which turned out to be the manufacturer's mark or serial number, stamped in white on the black belt. Good job, chief.

Anyhow, it's hard to tell at night how worn the belt is, so we'll try it again in the daytime, and see if we can get you a picture.

Do you think it could have to do with belt tension? Because I've noticed that when the car's colder, as in, ice cold, you don't hear it until the engine warms up, but if it's warm and the car's been sitting in the sun, then you hear it almost immediately. Just a thought, since I know that things tighten up or expand when the weather changes.

And I don't believe I do. I'm pretty sure the deal was "as is, " with no warranty.

I'm in delaware. No idea what the laws are like. I can try to make a recording.