Can someone please help me with this... I have an 88 328 that hs sudenly developed a noise at start up. It is hard to describe but it sounds almost like something is hitting on something as it spins. (Kind of like a broken belt spinning and slapping on something. This is obviusly not it though.) The sound is coming from the right side up near the fire wall. I can't tell if its high or low on the engine. After warm up the noise goes away. I'm looking for clues before I take the car somewhere to have this figured out. maybe I'll get lucky and it is something stupid and easy to fix?
Snapping noise? Only during start up, then goes away when warm? That is normal...it is the accessory belts that do this. You can replace them, but it will probably start up again. Seems most noticeable in winter. I had this with my 328...but only in winter. A temp fix is to spray a little belt lube on them (available at auto parts stores)...but it will come back.
This seems possible since it started after I replaced the alt. belt. I have checked it several times now and it seems fine. I'm concerned because this never happened before. Why should it start now? And yes it's a "snapping/slapping" noise. Thanks for the help!!
Why? Not sure, but there are many threads in the archives on this....use the search function in the upper left corner. Common to the 308, 328, Mondial series.
Maybe the old belt was worn out. There must have been some reason for replacing it. There could be a number of reasons or just a coincidence. The noise is normal, and temp and humidity seem to be a factor.
a ferrari fact mechanic told me thats its the polyflex belts rubbing against the alum pulley and making static electricity. it true remove the belt cover and turn off the lights and it'll throw sparks mine does it when cold.
For what is worth... My one has exactly the same problem, more evident after having washed it... Ciao Eugenio
My car has the same noise, it comes come from a too old AC belt, it hs some kind of metal grid core that is broken at some point and makes that noise when the belt is cold, it goes away really quick in summer, some times I can't even hear it., but this past winter it took at times up to 5 minutes to go away. - Julio.
I had the same noise (as best as you describe it) and had all 3 belts changed (A/C, water pump, and Alternator belts) and the noise went away..... Check the belts again to be sure it is not these.... seems a very common thing!
