I recently bought a 1998 Avalon with 161,000 miles on it. It's been running fine, however I've noticed a whirring noise when the car idles. The check engine light is off, as are the other indicator lights. I think it might be the fan. Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks!

Yo that whirling noise... Google it. btw: i own a 1998 avalon. There was a recall on that car while it was still under warrenty. I think it was a recall... anyway it was a consistant problem in that model year.

I originally throught my brake routers were messed up, because i heard the noise at extremely low rpms (1,700 rpms) after i let off the gas, around 25-30mph. However, the problem is the engine valves and valve seals. They are wearing out. It doesn't cause a big lose in power or any other bad damage. You just tend to a little more oil than average. And you occationally get that noise, especially at lower rpms. You can have this fixed at any dealership or mechanic place, it costs around $1800.00. However, that was too expensive for me... considering this is a crappy car with only 192hp 3.0L V6 (according to new standards). To compensate, just make sure you change your oil at the recommended 5,000 mile marker and warm the car up; 1-2minutes should be fine (eventhough 5 is recommended), before you drive it. If you want to ruin your car quickly... Never warm it up, don't change the oil, and floor it as soon as you start it, out of the garage and on your way to work.

Hope this helps. This is what the mechanic who worked on my car said anyways. You can have it diagnosed pretty cheap. So you can do that too if you want.

Btw: is there an electronic limiter on the avalon after 140mph? and is there any easy/cheap way to mod it yourself for more horsepower lol? (preferably the intake). And yah i know the avalon isn't a race car, it ends up doing 0-60 in a horrible, below modern SUV, 8.9 seconds. Thats mine anyways on new michalin tires.

and yah you can e-mail me a reply at SuperSonicAirPlane@comcast.net

because i just signed up for an account with a fake e-mail, because i wanted to help you out with your question.

peace.

I think it might be the fan also. A friend of mine had a similar problem with their 98 avalon. But you should still get it checked out just to make sure its nothing else.