My 2.7 engine has rather a 'whine' to it. It sounds like one of the following: Alternator, PAS pump, cam bearings. It doesnt affect driveability, and its not that noticable in the car. When the bonnet is up, and you rev the car, it seems very loud. Any thoughts, suggestions?

Seb Blake

I would try removing the belts to power steering and alternator and running the engine for a few minutes like that. That was how I found a previous car had a water pump problem as the pump was driven from an auxiliary belt..  If you still get a whine you rule out anything that you can disconnect. Also, if you have a manual gearbox you can check whether its the gearbox bearings by putting the clutch in and out while the cars in neutral.

Dave Pallant

Answer to problem posed by one of the readers:

I have had a similar whine on both of my Sterlings, the 825 and 827.
Turned out to be the a/c compressor both times.  Does the noise come and go as the compressor cuts in?

Rob Abbott