Topic: Bird Chirping in engine
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Hi Everyone,
I own and 1977 coupe
I have this interesting problem. I thought that it went away but it did not.
Last year we did an on body restoration on the car and rebuilt the entire engine. Last year towards the end of summer I drove it and it was great! This year after putting some more miles on it I now can hears what sounds like a bird chirping coming from the front of the engine.
The chirping comes and goes. When I step on the accelerator it at times seems to chirp more. I'm thinking the fan since that was replaced to. Or maybe the pulleys which are also all new. I was also thinking an engine mount.
It's not a belt nor is it a bad bearing. The alternator, AC compressor, water pump and power steering pump are all brand new and working great. I have had them tested.
I have noticed that some of the bolts loosened just a little like around the intake manifold. I plan to check all the bolts around the engine to make sure they are all snug again. I figure since I have been driving the car and the engine is still breaking in this can happen. We did so much work to it that perhaps we missed tightening a bolt or to down snuggly.
Anyone ever have this problem before and if so what did they do to fix it.
I love the wonderful hum of my engine and that noisy bird chirp just aggravates me to know end.
Thank you for any suggestions,
Anni and her Demon
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Lifetime MemberBelvidere, IL - USA
Joined: 10/24/2004
Posts: 438
Vette(s): 1977 Black T-Top ZZ4 5Sp 16in Wheels
Readjust your belts, I'm sure they are stretched. Becareful when tighten the intake bolts. If RTV was used on ends, it may create a oil leak.
Anni,
I had a similar issue with my '79 in which a noise from the front of the motor would come and go at will.
It turned out that one of the two clips that hold down the lower portion of the fan shroud was broken. It was no fun getting the new one on but it solved the problem.
One of the members here at C3VR suggested I look there and my problem was solved.
It's worth a look.
Kevin
Peak down under the fan shround around the frame. Birds like to nest in there.................................sorry, jus me bein a S.A. again 
What I would do is when you hear the sound shoot a little WD-40 or similar on the belt, or whever the sound is comming from. It won't fix it but if something is rubbing it may help you pinpoint it. I know how you feel. If I even hear a tick or anything other than the purr of the mototr, it will drive me nuts until I find it. Good luck. "T"
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A belt skweek would be the most obvious choice, but here's something that you really need to look at. Take a look at the harmonic balancer on the crank....those have been known to loosen the outer ring, and move rearward, rubbing on the timing cover. At times, they can make a chirp noise, if they just barely touch the cover. The noise coming and going as you apply the accelerator is also an indication, as the balancer will move fore/aft with the crank....
Just something to eyeball before it turns into a major snafu....
Just something to eyeball before it turns into a major snafu....
Joel Adams
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Very good call O Master of Mechanics. I do remember now when my balancer started to rub. First was a squeek, then rubbing noise. I almost waited too long and had a MAJOR snafu...........
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
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I once had an outer rocker arm on the #2 cylinder rubbing the inside of an aftermarket aluminum valve cover and resulted in a bird chirping sound....now that you have a half dozen possibilities to check out, GOOD LUCK!!! 
LukesVette 2009-06-06 18:39:15
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Check the pulleys also and make sure they are tight. After running it a while they could have worked loose and possibly cracked. And also check the powersteering pulley, on my 77 it's real close to the frame. Not much room there, could have a little rub. Good luck.
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I have a chirping sound in my engine also. I think it's the Blue Bird of Happyness. PS pump actually.
First of all I would like to thank everyone for all of the great responses I have gotten to my problem.
I plan to check out everything that has been suggested. It's just frustrating since everything is brand new including the harmonic balancer etc. But I know that it does not mean that a new one can't fail due to being a bad part to begin with.
The entire engine was rebuilt last year and everything is truly brand spanking new or has been checked out, cleaned up and reused.
I will also take a good look under the valve covers to make sure that nothing is rubbing.
The fan shroud is tight so I don't think it's that. Wish it was because that would have been an easy fix.
The belts have perfect tension.
I will find out where this bird is hiding and dispose of it. 
When I find out what it is I will post it.
Again many thanx for all of your great thoughts on this,
Anni
in Forum: C3 Engines
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