Or that's what it sounds like.  For about the past week, I
get this bad noise coming from the back of the van.  It
sounded to me like the bearing and pulley on the alternator
were going or something.  So last night, feeling industrious
(and more than a little worried), I let the van idle and
crawled under to see what I could hear (how's that for a
mixed up statement?).

Listening from the top didn't help.  It seems to come from
the driver's (that's left side - don't get into this
North/South thing again!).  When I lay underneath the van,
cursing whatever it is that is making this racket (fearing
it was a rod bearing or something), if I put my ear as close
to a hot cat as I dare, it is rattling like mad (like
there's marbles in it).

Is this what it sounds like when the insides are toasted?
Of course, all my exhaust system bolts are rusted to
h-e-double hockeysticks, so I'll have to cut the bolts away
to get it off.  This is why I ask before I cut.

TIA
Keith Adams
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia "Roxy"