I've even used a length of breather hose to listen to one spot.  I second the 'notion that you've got to watxh out for moving parts/ belts, etc.

Mike B.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: David Beierl 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 8:16 PM
  Subject: Re: To use Bars Leaks or not.....

  At 05:24 PM 9/16/2009, B Feddish wrote:
  >Sooo. I'm going to assume that "grindy", "bearing sounding" noise I've been
  >hearing all summer is my water pump. I've suspected it all along but wishful
  >thinking kept me thinking my newly rebuilt engine was just around the

  Get a mechanic's stethoscope.  Lisle is a good brand; the one they
  sell in Pep Boys is not.  Remember not to stick the end in a moving
  belt, and you'll soon find out where your grinding is coming from.  A
  long screwdriver pressed to your ear works too, but the 'scope is
  better as well as easier and probably safer.

  Yours,
  David