I have a '99 Contour (details in my signature); lately it has started making a noise that I would say is coming from the underside of the engine. It is really difficult to describe (similar to the noise my exhaust used to make when there was a hole in it, but with a slight tick almost). The engine seems to run fine, and the noise either goes away or just seems to go away at higher RPMs. When I turn the key off, the engine takes MAYBE 1-2 seconds to stop; when it does, the last noise heard is a squeak/moan. I have started the engine without the serpentine just to make sure it wasn't a pulley or other component (I've had chronic bearing failures in the idler and tensioner pullies), the noise was still present. The timing belt was replaced at slightly over 100k. Any ideas? I'm afraid that further damage will occur if I continue to drive it, but I also don't want to get bent over at a mechanic, since with a little guidance I have completed many repairs myself. Thanks for any suggestions provided.
