Call for aid: what IS that noise? (long) (archive)

My tii is turning heads these days...because of the insane squealing coming from the front of the engine. At first I suspected the water pump, which I had replaced with an NOS piece last month (V-belt and injection pump belt also replaced then) or the alternator, which was listing due to shot bushings. But the cooling system seems to be working fine, and I've rebushed the alternator and it's quiet. I don't relish undoing earlier work until I know what I need to pull off. My tubing "stethoscope" points to the crank pulley area.

Further info: This high-pitched noise started occasionally on ignition, then soon started to come on under load. Now it's constant until engine warms up, then disappears until revs exceed 2000 or so. It changes pitch with engine RPM. Maybe 200 miles run since repairs and onset of noise. AC compressor is fitted but not the problem.

My questions: Could a crank bearing go bad so quickly, and would it be really loud like this? If yes, am I trashing the bottom end by continuing to drive the car? Could it be the crank pulley itself? Would that tilted alternator have so quickly screwed up the shaft or impeller of the water pump? Is it possible internal lube of water pump deteriorated in years on the shelf? Could it be something else horrible, like the timing chain? THese are the questions that keep me awake at night.

Please post or email your comments and theories, expert or crackpot welcome. TIA

Follow Ups:

Re: Call for aid: what IS that noise? (long) Peter S 15:51 7/16/2000 (0)
belt tension or wrong v profileof belt Brian C 15:50 7/16/2000 (0)
Actually...(more) benjo 15:33 7/16/2000 (0)
Small pig caught in fanbelt? check alternator benjo 15:20 7/16/2000 (0)
Check your belt Lee 15:09 7/16/2000 (0)

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