Intermittent engine bay Rattling sound

[Rango_offroad]

Hello all- this is my first post in the Forum. I’m just recovering from being very sick the past week and a half and today I went out to start it and was hearing an odd rattling noise from the engine bay while it was idling in the drive way. I’ve never heard it before and it wasn’t doing this before it was parked. Any ideas? Fan and belt looked fine.

Edit: 2002 4L 6Cyl Manual 80k miles

 

[CharlesHS]

My hearing isn't the best; so I didn't hear any rattling.
There was a lot of wind noise in the microphone when you approached the shroud.
Please try again to post a video staying away from the fan blades.

 

[Rango_offroad]

My hearing isn't the best; so I didn't hear any rattling.
There was a lot of wind noise in the microphone when you approached the shroud.
Please try again to post a video staying away from the fan blades.

Hopefully this is a little better. Sorry it was windy earlier too
You can here it go away for a second or two.. and then come back

 

[CharlesHS]

Sounds like piston slap.... or a ticking lifter.....
What oil pressure does you engine run at idle and 2000 rpms ?
What viscosity engine oil do you use ?
I generally go with 10W-30 which doesn't thin out so fast in warm weather.

 

[LONGJP2]

I don't hear a rattling; sounds more like a pulley starting to squeal.

 

[ColoJeep]

Pull your belt off and run it , I bet it's a dry/rough bearing in on of your belt driven accessories.
With the engine off ! Spin each accessory by hand and feel the pulleys for roughness.

 

[Rango_offroad]

Pull your belt off and run it , I bet it's a dry/rough bearing in on of your belt driven accessories.
With the engine off ! Spin each accessory by hand and feel the pulleys for roughness.

Good idea. This is exactly what I was thinking when standing there listening too it. It was too consistent and metal sounding to be a belt but I figured it might be one of those bearings or nuts. I’ll keep y’all updated once I get past this flu. Thank you!

 

[Rango_offroad]

Sorry for the very delayed update but I figured I would give one in hopes of helping someone in the future…

Pull your belt off and run it , I bet it's a dry/rough bearing in on of your belt driven accessories.
With the engine off ! Spin each accessory by hand and feel the pulleys for roughness.

You were correct. The sound went away for a couple months so I forgot about it but a few weeks ago it came back and has been driving me crazy-

I replaced the belt tensioner in hopes that would do it but that wasn’t it. Replaced idler pulley and it’s been quiet ever since- thanks guys.