Slight " whining " noise coming from the engine

[Libertine]

over the past few months i've noticed a slight whining noise coming from the engine, it used to be intermittent but now it seems to stay there.. I've asked a local mechanic today and only had a 2 minute look but he said he thinks it may be the water pump or the alternator bearings..

Has anybody had this issue and does it sound like his diagnosis is correct?

[fingers99]

Could be. I'd check the condition of the cam belt, too.

You can rule in or out the alternator belt (don't do this on a Mk1!) simply by taking the belt off -- if the noise remains, it's not the alternator.

[Libertine]

so 4 possibilities :

timing belt
water pump
alternator bearings
alternator belt

anybody else shed any light?

[Draven]

I wouldn't have thought it would be the timing belt as it would have to slip in order to make a whiny noise.. and if it slips you'd have other much more obvious issues.

My alternator belt slipped on start up and used to make a whiny noise when the car was running. I tighened it and now i'm replacing it.

But yes water pump could be worn.

[fingers99]

I wouldn't have thought it would be the timing belt as it would have to slip in order to make a whiny noise..

Or be on the point of failing. It's an easy check, anyway -- just remove the top half of the cover.