MG Car Repair: motor noises, crankshaft pulley, barrie jones

Question
My question refers to the following required technical advise:

Our MGB motor (USA MGBLE 03-1979) is producing a very high screaming noise. It seems the crankshaft is causing this noise. If we turn the shaft by hand the noise is also being produced.
We've made a 1 minute video. Is it possible to indicate the cause of this noise by listening to the video noise.

Please be aware that on the background there is a additional noise of a shipping motor to be avoid.

The case is the high screaming noise.
The video is to be seen by clicking on the following link:

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=--XX4PZgpdQ

Can you give us an idea what causes the screaming sound?
Appreciate your cooperation in this.
Thanks in advance.

Kind regards.

Jos Bolders  

Answer
Hi Jos,
I can see from the video that you have removed the fanbelt, so the alternator and water pump are not turning.  I have two suggestions:

1) The front crankshaft oil seal may be dry.  Try putting a few drops of oil between the crankshaft pulley and the timing case, and getting it to run onto the oil seal.

2) It is possible that the noise is coming from the distributor bearings.  Remove the distributor cap, remove the rotor arm, and put 3 drops of oil down the centre of the spindle.  Also, put about 10 drops of engine oil through the hole where the cam rotates.

It would be much easier if I knew where the sound was coming from.  I sometimes use a long screwdriver as a stethoscope, putting my ear against the handle.

I hope this helps.

AUB
Barrie Jones