I don't know if it matters, but the hood is up, it was cold out, and the camera has a sensitive mic. But it is a noticeable whine. Bought the car used with 82k miles so I have no idea what's been replaced and what has not. It does sound like a supercharger whine, but it's not. I will try to get a better video closer to the engine and with out the wind.

Sounds like typical engine noise. There is always some belt noise, as well as the rotating parts making noise.

You have alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, crankshaft, water pump, etc. Doesn't sound bad enough to be dangerous.

All cars make some noise and unless it sounds really bad or abnormal, it is probably harmless.

It is when it gets real loud or sounds like something is going bad that it becomes a concern.

I have a Gatorback on there so there should be minimal belt noise. I am going the try a mechanics stethoscope to try and pinpoint the whine. I am hoping it's something replaceable.

It does sound a bit louder than normal. Even with a cold start, my engine doesn't get that lound or whine. You have to really rev up my engine to get it to speak, and it usually gives a nice growl, not a whine (I'm not ashamed to admit I talk to my car ).

My girlfriend has a 98 corolla with 114k and it does not sound like that, whether it's a warm or cold start.

I know on GM cars, they have a whining sound similar to yours and it's typically the power steering pump. When it's replaced, the whining is gone.

Let us know what you detect with the stethoscope.

I didn't read the post here until after clicking the link in the Seafoam Questions post, and the first thing that sprang to my mind watching the video is that sounds pretty much like my 2000CE. A little louder maybe, but I attributed that to the microphone.

I bought mine new and its always sounded similar to this when I rev it up good while parked. I've always thought it was a bit loud, but I figured it was just the nature of the beast. IE: an economy car.

Jim

A co-worker of mine, who was a mechanic for years, rode with me today and listened to the car. He said the noise is coming from the the front pump of the transmission. He says the reason it sounds like that is because the fluid is either old and worn out or is really low quality, or both. He recommended draining the fluid in the trans pan, refilling it with quality fluid, driving for a few weeks, then doing it again. Then the noise should be quieter or gone all together.

He also said the ticking noise I thought was lifter tap is actually spark knock. I currently have Autolite single platinums in there, which he says may be too hot for the engine. So I am going to put NGK dual ground copper plugs in there, like the ones the car came with. (NGK BKR5EKB-11) Hopefully that will fix it.

Plugs are in. The spark knock is pretty much gone, but I think I can still hear a little. But I may be imagining it. The Autolites I took out had a white residue on the ground electrodes, which is a sign of running to hot. Hopefully I have fixed the knocking problem.

Pic

The plugs in the pic were only in there for a few thousand miles.

Plugs were marked as i pulled them out, and I lined them up as they were in the engine. (The one in the top left was is the cylinder on passenger side, the one on the bottom was in the drivers side cylinder.)

I have always been a little bit disappointed with the sound my 2000 Corolla's 1zz-fe engine makes. To me, it sounds a little like a Waring blender next to our '97 Prizm with the 7a-fe engine in it, but, other than the noise, it runs great! It uses no oil and has excellent acceleration!! So, in short, I have come to learn to live with the somewhat extra noise it makes!!

I listened to your Prizm on You Tube as well and to me, the noises it makes sound pretty much normal. It might be slighly louder than most others, but, I don't think there is anything wrong other than maybe some wear and tear on some moving parts, but, that's just my opinion......

Whatever it turns out to be, I wish you good luck with it!!

regards,

timkedz

Just a quick note.

I listened to it again and it almost sounds like the power steering pump. I think someone else already mentioned that though.

Best regards,

timkedz

The more I listen to it, the more I agree. Actually, it's really not all that bad. When they get really bad, they can wail like a banchee!!! I know it sucks though, when you have to listen to a noise your not normally used to hearing.......

Ford's are good for power steering noise, but, this is the first time I've heard a Prizm/Corolla do it.........

By the way, the YouTube thing was a pretty good idea. I think I may post one of my car as well!

regards,

timkedz

It is not too hard to change the power steering pump.

Just be sure and bleed the fluid system, so there is no air in the lines.

Similar to bleeding the brakes to get air out.

According to Autozone.com they are different. Thanks though.