High pitched whine from idling engine

[dennism]

When I start my car I get a continuous high pitched whine from the engine compartment. It does not vary with the speed of the engine. I am not able to place where in the compartment but it has a sort of whine one might expect from a rapidly turning electric motor (eg a fuel pump).

Might anyone have any suggestions on how to track it down??

Thanks

Dennis

[Loren]

Hmm... are you sure it is not something on the polyrib belt path? (i.e. alternator, power steering, pulley(s), etc.)

[dennism]

Hmm... are you sure it is not something on the polyrib belt path? (i.e. alternator, power steering, pulley(s), etc.)

Hi Loren

The high pitched noise does not vary with engine speed. (I reved the engine to see if it did.)

Dennis

[Orient Express]

The secondary air injection pump has a high pitched whine, but it only comes on for a minute or 2 when the engine is cold. Is this noise present when the car is "on", but the engine not running?

[Porsche of Persia]

The secondary air injection pump has a high pitched whine, but it only comes on for a minute or 2 when the engine is cold. Is this noise present when the car is "on", but the engine not running?

I agree.

[Tool Pants]

The air injection/smog pump makes a sound like that. But a running engine makes lots of sounds.

I was hearing a whine from my Boxster. I wanted to rule out the electric pump, so I removed the electrical connector.

No clue where it is on a 996.

[john in lb]

When I start my car I get a continuous high pitched whine from the engine compartment. It does not vary with the speed of the engine. I am not able to place where in the compartment but it has a sort of whine one might expect from a rapidly turning electric motor (eg a fuel pump).

Might anyone have any suggestions on how to track it down??

Thanks

Dennis

Consider a bad idler pulley bearing... I had that once, and it had a high pitched sound - almost pleasant to listen to from inside the cabin while driving....