deffo not alternator belt buddy. I have checked that and all seems fine. as :driver:I said the noise sounds as if it is coming from where the engine meets the gearbox so god knows. just hoping it ain't the flywheel. can do without that at the moment. one other thing I have noticed is that when driven normally it doesn't seem to do it, it only seems to occur when the car is hot and I have given it a bit of stick, when I go on the power it stops, come off the throttle and it starts. Could it be water pump or cambelt bearing??????????