noise, smell form car--look @ picture

[gymkata]

My car has been having idling problems for a bit where the RPM races..
I had the ICV replaced but the problem still makes the same noise.
Now the temps have gotten very cold here in the midwest.
The car is making a noise and a smell is coming for the car when i start it so I don't want to do any damage.
I took a picture of the problem area I think. Not sure if this is the oil pump bracket that is scraping against the pulleys. Let me know what you all think this piece is. It seems to be loose. Any idea what this is -- the oil pump, water pump, power steering and how easy it is to fix??

Thanks in advance.

[whiskychaser]

Any idea what this is -- the oil pump, water pump, power steering and how easy it is to fix??
I dont think its any of the above. You can just see the threads of the big bolt that holds the alternator on - is that tight and is the pulley OK? Neither would account for iffy idle. May smell if your belt is being slipping:(

[Morgenster]

That's the tensioner. If the pulley attached to it is wobbly it could explain belt play.
Your erratic idle is a vacuum leak and doesn't necessarily get solved by changing the ICV. Check the hoses and manifold for leaks, plug those and the idle should be OK.

As for smell: what smell? Lots of stuff smells funny.

[Dave M]

Fairly vague description, so heres a longshot.

If the noise is coming from this location, the altarnator bearing(s) could be bum and cause noises/smells as they blow themselves to bits. If you really want to push the diagnosis, a poorly charging alternator could cause the idle to suffer.

Dave M

[gymkata]

It turns out that the water pump was shot as well as the pullies / belts /...
I should have thought about it why I was adding more coolant to the tank a couple of months ago. I've never had to do that before.
A leaking pump is a sign of a failing pump.
anyways, the idling is smoother than ever.
Had a great independent place out of the far west burbs of chicago handle it.

[Dave M]

It turns out that the water pump was shot as well as the pullies / belts /...
I should have thought about it why I was adding more coolant to the tank a couple of months ago. I've never had to do that before.
A leaking pump is a sign of a failing pump.
anyways, the idling is smoother than ever.
Had a great independent place out of the far west burbs of chicago handle it.

Thanks for the update, they're always appreciated.

Enjoy the ride,

Dave M