engine noise....maybe powersteering?????

[someguy]

ok so for the last 2 weeks when I start my car up, doesn't matter if the engine is hot or not, it makes this kind of grinding spinning over-reving noise. the best way I can describe it, is take a disc-man and open it while its running, and the way the cd acts, like over reving with stability issues. Once my engine I bounce the throttle around a few times it seems to stop. the noise has been getting worse and I'm starting to get very worried because I can't figure it out. It sounds like it is coming from the lower portion of the engine. Today when I started the car and drove for a bit, I noticed a rattle now coming from the same area...the rattle is consistent and sound similar to a heat sheild rattling. it get louder and is more consistent if I have the AC on...which I related to the problem as more load on the engine.....I think it's possibly A. the powersteering pump. B. the Clutch fan or C. water pump. I haven't had any issues yet with unstable engine temps, so I'm quite confuused as to what I should do. Hopefully someone has experienced this issue and can help...
Thanks
Keith

[drz]

1. Are you sure it is not your belts that need replacing? They can sometimes sound the way you describe when they are lose (which on e36s only happens if the belt is old and worn, given that the car has autotensioners).
2. The sound may be coming from the power steering system (happened to me). It does not have to be the pump. Simply check the reservoir and top it off if low. I recommend that you suction as much old fluid out so that your system is running cleaner fluid. Check around the hoses for leaks afterwards, because if the fluid is low, it has to be escaping the system somehow.
3. The A/C compressor on e36s gets to a point where it becomes very "rattlly." Mine does it, and I have noticed teh same thing on other cars. This really is not a big deal, but you can solve it by getting a new compressro, which I consider unecessary.

[someguy]

Ya know, I didn'tthink to look at the belts....Thats not like me...I'm not on my best game...I've only inspected the engine while it's been running since it only made the noise while running. and true that to the power steering fluid...but for some reason I'm way off my game, cause I didn't see the resivior, of course it's raining out and I didn't feel like staying out to long....plus it's dark...I guess I just have to wait til moring comes........uhg I want my car fixed................

[drz]

I always hate it when I have to wait 'til morning.