Engine noise at specific RPM

[meetjobrown]

2002
SL
SOHC
Manual
111k Miles

While driving, there is a noise that comes from the engine compartment at 1.8k-2.3k RPM. Before and after that range there is no noise. It has a metallic scraping sound, kind of like hitting the brakes with really worn out pads. The sound will happen in neutral when I rev the engine, and obviously while driving in that range, but it doesn't happen when I push in the clutch and rev it into that range.

I have searched around for some answers, and found a video that sounds similar to what I hear.
YouTube video titled "Saturn SL2 belt drive grinding or scraping noise--starting with belt on = scraping noise" (sorry can't post URL)
The comments mention a bearing in the A/C, but the noise I hear isn't constant. My A/C does not work BTW.

Thanks!

[toggenburg]

Um, but that does not make sense.

You said...

"The sound will happen in neutral when I rev the engine, and obviously while driving in that range, but it doesn't happen when I push in the clutch and rev it into that range."

Both ways you are in neutral and not in gear.

I don't know, but it might just be something simple like the belt tensioner going bad, or something more like an alternator giving up.

If you don't see/hear something obvious when (in N of course) the engine is idling and you manually rev the engine, then turn off engine, remove the serpentine belt and briefly, briefly start & run the engine; rev it and see if the sound occurs or not.

Could even be a timing chain or the chain guide having an issue.

How long have you owned it and if a recent purchase then maybe previous owner ran with the engine oil too low for a while?....

[meetjobrown]

Sorry for the confusion. When the clutch is not pressed the sound will occur. When the clutch is pressed, the sound will not occur.

I purchased the car 8 months ago with 95k. I am not sure if the oil has been run low before I purchased it, but I have been on top of oil changes and keeping it topped off.

I will remove the belt tomorrow and update. Thanks.

[cdxhizors]

Sounds like you've done your trouble shooting.. It's a clutch issue. I would start testing the clutch and do easy tests. Hydraulic test. See if it slips. Visually inspect the transmission fluid(maybe its internal in the trans but I doubt it)

[meetjobrown]

Sorry for the delay, but I wanted to post an update. I found the noise was coming from my idler pulley, and after tightening it, the noise is gone. Thanks for the suggestions and the help.

[SC2Sick]

Thanks for coming back and giving the answer. So commonly people will solve their issues but not say how they did it so that others can figure it out in the future.

[billr]

Did you check crank end-play? Putting in the clutch pedal should have no effect on the other (belt) end of the engine, unless the crank is moving more than normal.