Hi Thanks colvert, excuse my ignorance I must have been extremely lucky then as I've never had one fail before, the rattle rumbling noice reminded me of a dry bearing type noise reminiscent of the alternator or water pump bearing.
I managed to get the alternator off and the spindle runs smooth - when I drove home the battery light was on continuously.
As a matter of course I'm now going to replace the alternator, thermostat as its has a slight weeping and was going to replace the water pump.
How do I check if the crank pulley is goosed? I had a spanner on it and gave it some turning wiggling but it seems ok, theres no obvious play. Should I just replace it while I have access? (DMGRS = £189).
Any replies welcome
