Weird sound in engine bay - V8

[Woodsy104]

Alright!
I'm back finally. Firstly the sound has evolved a bit. It's owner volume, but more constant.
Here's what I found out. I've taken the long belt off. The idlers, alternator, and steering pump all spin freely. The water pump has some resistance. Is this normal? Should it spin totally freely like an idler? It's not notchy. It also has the tiniest amount of axial play.

Should I just spring for a new pump?

I think that resistance might be due to the water it is pumping

 

[BlackVXGTS]

From VE Recalls & Faults, may (or may not) relate to your problem:

 

[anthonylardo]

Water pump confirmed. I also though the resistance might be that it's moving water.
Anyway, I took the belt off, noise gone, put the belt back on, pushed the pulley with a spanner and the sound went.

How are aftermarket pumps? Gates? Holden ones are expensive, and I'll do pulleys and belts at the same time.

 

[anthonylardo]

Scored a genuine pump with thermostat and housing for 318 bucks at Ralph Dsilva in Preston.

 

[Fu Manchu]

Scored a genuine pump with thermostat and housing for 318 bucks at Ralph Dsilva in Preston.

Bet it smells like chicken.

 

[krusing]

Bet it smells like chicken.

Chicken With 11 Secret Herbs And Spices ?

 

[anthonylardo]

Job is all done. No noise, found no chickens. Easy enough job. Hardest part was getting the OTR in and out.

 

[Fu Manchu]

Job is all done. No noise, found no chickens. Easy enough job. Hardest part was getting the OTR in and out.

I bet it at least smells like chicken. Cooked chook always smells good.

 

[anthonylardo]

Yeah standard chickeny coolant smell for a few weeks in the cabin I think.