Bad engine noise or not to worry

[rockfangd]

Ok so last night i started my 94 cutlass and it was about 16 degrees out. As i was walking up to the car i heard a noise that worried me. everyone knows the noise our ac compressors make when they are bad, (that metal on metal scraping noise.) well it sounded just like that, there is only one problem, I have an ac bypass pulley SO if i do not have a compressor what else could make that kind of bad noise. I did not hear it today but i still heard it.

Things i have done within the last few months are PS pump, alternator, ac bypass pulley. Oh and the only noise it has ever made would be that little tick when it is cold. But i have always run full synthetic oil.

I appreciate any responses,

1994 oldsmobile cutlass supreme s. 3100 v6, 100895 miles, very well maintained.

[RangeStang]

Probably just the usual 3100/3400 piston slap just intensified by the cold weather.

[joey b]

could be the belt tensioner or alternator bearings.

[rockfangd]

well i know it is definately not the piston noise but it does sound like maybe a bearing. better not be another alternator

[19Cutlass94]

These alternators have shitty bearings and its a shitty design. More than likely it is, but probably wont hurt anything.

[rockfangd]

well hopefully it isnt a problem. I have been having that voltage difference but this seems to be different. I will loosen my belt and check all of the pulleys to start

[ismellrealbad]

long screwdriver stethascope method?

[rockfangd]

lol i actually have a mechanics scope. I ran it at work today but i did not have it available