Water pump is the first thing that comes to mind. Have you used a stethoscope to pinpoint the location (of the noise, not your location)?

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Ray Perry [SMTP:perryale@FIDALGO.NET]
Sent:   Friday, October 01, 1999 1:27 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Engine Noise

Seems I get one problem fixed and another challenge emerges.  I have a
90 syncro westy with the original 2.1 L with 135,000 miles ticking away
on it.  I noticed a high-pitched squeel (sounded metalic to me) coming
from near the distributor area ( or onside the case) at idle and as it
cames down to idle.  I don't know if this could be some sort of bearing
or gear that is trying to tell me something, but the engine appears to
be trying to tell me of some new and exciting adventure that is in my
future.  Any ideas as to what may be occupying my future evenings?  TIA

Ray
90 syncro westy
Guemes Island, WA