318 "Ringing in my Ears"

While my '72 SSP project car torqueflite 904 was being rebuilt I decided to change the freeze plugs and all of the gaskets (except rear main seal) in the original 318 (which was rebuilt once already in 1978). I also rebuilt the Carter BBD two-barrel (with limited success) and slapped on a new double roller chain (not sure if it was "true" roller), new timing chain cover, new water pump, and new fuel pump (and new gas tank because when I bought the car the tank was punctured). Now with everything back together, at idle I can hear some kind of ringing noise coming from the engine compartment but I cannot isolate the source. It is kinda like the noise fine crystal makes when you pluck it with your finger. It's a faint ring ... ring ... ring ... ring ... ring. The motor starts up fine instantly when I turn the key, craps out a little under acceleration (I know the accelerator pump is not working) and seems to highway cruise just fine. Strange noise though. It's not very loud, but I can pick it out (almost sounds like gnome is tapping on a pulley with a tiny, tiny hammer).

Do you have a clutch type fan or solid fan? Just wondering because the way you describe the sound almost sounds like the sound my clutch fan makes. Im replacing it soon, so hopefully it goes away with the new one.

I have a solid 7 blade fan without clutch, power steering, no A/C.

Start by checking around your replaced parts timeing chain cover (maybe the damper is hitting) then if not I'd pull the chain cover and see if your new chain is to wide for your new cover , always start with what you changed first ,then of course check that your pullys when back on right one can be dragging a little(chack for paint ware) good luck

Also check that water pump pulley doesn't strike metal. Look at the belts, verify that the pulley grooves are all in line. Check belts for a break.

Update: Source of the ringing has been located by a Mexican mechanic. The 2-3 inch cylindrical spacer that is used over the alternator adjusting bolt was vibrating because it is not locked in by any little spacers/washers on either side of it. Not only that, the alternator belt was just a little loose, which exacerbated the little noise. I had been worried it was a timing chain interference or even the flex plate hitting the sheet metal convertor cover. Whew! What a relief.