i will be in the area this Saturday, i can swing by with you .

let me know , otherwise it will have to be next sat .

 

Cheers for the offer Vuey, but it won't be necessary. I put her up on stands after work and had a good listen underneath the car with my mechanic's stethoscope (screwdriver) while the engine was running. There were no tapping sounds coming from the bottom end at all, but I could hear it and it was louder than from above. I put the screwdriver on the air con compression unit and could feel it- I didn't need to stick it to my ear to know that this was the culprit. I took the belt off and restarted the engine and the noise had gone. I am very relieved that I found this before I stripped the engine down. Still, now I have to deal with the compressor, but a much easier task.

 

wow that is a much better problem to have!

 

Indeed. If my first thought had been that it was the compressor I would have been really pissed that it was faulty. Now I am really pleased!

 

hahahaha optimist

 

It's all a matter of perspective:
Optimist: the glass is half full
Pessimist: the glass is half empty
Engineer: the glass is twice as big as it needs to be

I think someone (with a major headache) may have suggested removing the accessories belt and seeing if it persisted before ordering bearings on Saturday.

When you can snatch the pebble from my hand, Grasshopper.

 

I believe Chris suggested it first, and I believe I was the first to moot the idea that it was something on the intake side

 

Hmmm, I think I mentioned it when you first pointed out the sound.

And hey, those bearings you ordered will make some great earrings for the wife.

 

I thought we'd use them when we turbo your zimmer frame.

 

LOL, at least it has nav.