burning smell coming from under the hood

[Mustang5L5]

Was about to head out tonight when i started my car and noticed a strange sound under the hood. It almost sounded like i had the A/C on and was causing a small whine.

Anyway i went for a coffee and came home and popped the hood. A/C clutch was not engaged, but i definitely smelled something burning. It was 9PM so i didn't spend much time searching. I'll look in the AM.

But what would cause a whine that rises with RPM's (with the cluthc pushed in) and sounds like a whir.

I'm thinking alt or PS pump. I'll have to check inthe AM...but i'm supposed to take a 200MILE day trip tomorrow too and now i'm worried

 

[spederman]

Hey, that sounds exactly like mine did when my alternator went out on me. I honestly thought it was my PS pump too, and then my car died on me at a gas station. Have that checked out before you make a road trip, you dont want to have to get towed in the middle of no where.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Hmm, i wonder if i can pull the alt off and have it tested now rather than wait? I was kinda suspecting alt. It was loudest when cold and got a little quieter when it warmed up.

 

[myponyrocks]

they can test the alt. on the car

 

[Kilgore Trout]

AutoZone will roll a little cart out in the parking lot and test the whole charging system in their parking lot for free.

If the alt is out of the car they can also bench test it.

Good luck buddy, I hope it is something cheap and easy to fix.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Well, I found the cause of the noise. The water pump is failing.

65K miles...and my car's first problem ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JgVNRmsYVE


Doesn't look that difficult to change. I bet flushing the coolant will be a harder job.