Hi Steve,
if you think it's on the engine somewhere..
get a twofoot long piece of hose ( about 3/8" ID ) and use it as a
Listening Hose.

put it the listening end nearyour alternator,
your timing belt area, etc.

any sounds eminating on the engine will really stand out when you find one.

Additionally ..this is fun ..
use a Listening Stick.  Get about a two foot long wooden stick,
hardwoood if you can, about 1/2" thick..
put the listening end right on anything you want to listen to internallly ..
like injectors, vacuum pump ..
anything that's running.  Put the other end of the stick against the
flap of your ear..
it's very interesting to do this.
'wirring' I'd think more of belts , t-belt, alt belt etc.

if trans is suspect..
check magnetic drain plug for metal particles. Some is normal.
Also make sure gear oil is full of course.

if trans is suspected, usually the sound changes off and on the power.
if wheel bearings..
the sound changes with gentle swearving at about 35 mph.

let us know what you find.
Scott
www.turbovans.com
On 10/23/2012 10:13 PM, Steve wrote:
> New 'rrrrrrrring' sound in my 82 1.9na diesel 4 speed vanagon.  Looked over the engine for any smoking parts, thought maybe something might have been rubbing on something.  Nothing at an idle.  Not noticeable in 1st gear, mostly hear in 2nd and still present in 3rd and 4th, but mostly 2nd.  it's a deep whine/rrrrring sound. It's strong and consistent, maybe it fades in 3rd and 4th as the engine/road noise increase?   Nothing noticeable at this point with the transmission and i can't tell that there's a loss of power, don't have much to lose!  definite rrrrrring sound though.  any ideas on where to start looking around?
>
>
> thanks, Steve
>
> 82 Diesel 1.9 NA
> Seattle, WA
>