Weird Noise - Any Ideas?

[Pausim]

We have been happily using our Carthago Compactline i143 since Monday. Today a strange intermittent noise has started. It is hard to describe but it is a strange buzz, a bit like running a finger nail along a comb but louder. It lasts no more than 2 seconds and happens every few minutes. It started when we were driving but hasn’t stopped since pitching up. It comes from the top corner roof area where it joins the outer wall and is loudest where the bathroom joins the main cabin.

I thought perhaps it was a relay trying to latch but failing. However I shut down all the domestic electrics, 12v and mains, but the sound continues. I wondered about a pressure relief valve but letting the pressure out of the water system makes no difference. There is a roof aerial close to where the noise comes from so perhaps an aerial amplifier? I have looked for ways to get into the area but everything is tightly fixed together and nothing seems removable.

If you have any ideas what might be causing this annoying noise I would be very grateful for your suggestions. Wild ideas are welcome.

 

[Burgo]

Grillo? They're starting up over here now it's getting warmer and like to tuck up in a hole as it amplifies their call to attract a mate.

 

[donkey]

A bee or wasp

Geoff

 

[pappajohn]

Sounds like the water pump kicking in and out.
You probably have a leak somewhere.

 

[Eggs]

Sounds like the water pump kicking in and out.
You probably have a leak somewhere.

Not sure how with 12v and mains shutdown.

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[Pausim]

Sounds like the water pump kicking in and out.
You probably have a leak somewhere.

Checked the pump but under floor and noise continues when switched off.

 

[Vipar]

Buzzer indicating low water or not level?

 

[Grummyb]

Try having a look on the roof it maybe the fingernail critter trying to shag a comb

 

[Minxy]

Have you turned off the dash media unit? On ours it is linked to the TV/AV area which is where you seem to be hearing the noise from.

Other suggestions - have you got something in the bathroom cabinet (eg alarm clock) that might be sounding? Have you put something in the TV unit area that could have dropped down and be hidden?

 

[Pausim]

Something to do with the media unit is a possibility, though it is shut down. I wondered about the relay for switching from engine to leisure battery power.

We have checked all cabinets. Alarm clocks, electric tooth brushes and sex toys all accounted for.

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[Minxy]

Something to do with the media unit is a possibility, though it is shut down. I wondered about the relay for switching from engine to leisure battery power.

I'm not sure about the MH one but our TV at home still has some residual 'energy' in it even when it's turned off at the mains and the red stand-by light stays on for ages (usually meaning I double check I've turned it off at the wall!) so I wonder if it's the TV itself? Or if the amplifier for the aerial does the same so until it discharges it has little 'trills'?

We have checked all cabinets. Alarm clocks, electric tooth brushes and sex toys all accounted for.

... are you sure?

 

[barsteward]

Well you did say long shot's welcome, what about the shower assembly? you know the noise the flexible metal hose makes when it is pulled through the retaining ring.

 

[Gellyneck]

Could the noise be coming from outside on the roof?
Late last year we had an annoying buzzing from the roof of our AT. Hours later, over two \ three days, discovered it was a label that was stuck around the cable from the solar panel (under it) that was coming loose and "buzzing" in the wind!

 

[Diabalo]

In these situations a stethoscope is a great tool to precisely track down where the sound is coming from.

 

[chatteris]

we had a moth caught in spiders web behind the awning and it was making a buzzing noise as it tried to escape took a while to find it as it seemed to be inside

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[Shrimp]

I’ll go with a Bee, Wasp or irritated Fly trapped somewhere, you will probably find it will stop soon when the insect dies!
No way it can be a buzzer or pump, not up in the top corner of roof!

 

[Pausim]

Late evening the mysterious noise stopped. Still not found the cause but all quiet this morning.

Well you did say long shot's welcome, what about the shower assembly? you know the noise the flexible metal hose makes when it is pulled through the retaining ring.

Good suggestion and a similar noise. I checked this more than once but not the culprit.

Could the noise be coming from outside on the roof?
Late last year we had an annoying buzzing from the roof of our AT. Hours later, over two \ three days, discovered it was a label that was stuck around the cable from the solar panel (under it) that was coming loose and "buzzing" in the wind!

Checked the roof but no sign of anything.

In these situations a stethoscope is a great tool to precisely track down where the sound is coming from.

A stethoscope would have been very useful. I also thought about a borescope to poke through the limited openings.

we had a moth caught in spiders web behind the awning and it was making a buzzing noise as it tried to escape took a while to find it as it seemed to be inside

I’ll go with a Bee, Wasp or irritated Fly trapped somewhere, you will probably find it will stop soon when the insect dies!
No way it can be a buzzer or pump, not up in the top corner of roof!

It sounded more mechanical than biological but I haven’t ruled anything out.

A big THANK YOU to all for your helpful suggestions. I will let you know if the noise returns or if I find the source.

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

Battery expiration rendering your Adult Toys silent.

 

[Diabalo]

I do have a cheap borescope from e-bay that connects to my phone, it's been very useful to see where wiring and pipework goes.

 

[Spriddler]

A couple of times I have had a rapid clicking every minute or two whilst driving. It was the fridge gas igniter when I had forgotten to turn the fridge control from 'Gas' to 12v. The fridge flame kept igniting then blowing out, then igniting, then blowing out.......... due to the draught whilst driving.

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[Vipar]

Bug spray will sort out unpaid visitors. Then you can look for mechanical stuff

 

[Rimswell Wanderer]

Just a thought have you a Tracker fitted that may be malfunctioning.

 

[Bubba]

There is a annoying whine in our motorhome. But I find feeding it alcohol eventually shuts it up.

 

[Pausim]

Just a thought have you a Tracker fitted that may be malfunctioning.

Yes we have a tracker but it is fitted under the dash and well away from the noise. All suggestions welcome, I may well have missed the obvious.

No return of the noise so far but we are moving on tomorrow, hope moving doesn’t make it kick off again.

 

[steve69]

Tinnitus?......

Seriously though, all my life |I have had occasions when I hear deep humming noises - or even music - that no-one else can hear. I've learnt to ignore them over time and I stop noticing them.

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[Pausim]

Not tinnitus on this occasion. We both could hear the noise, it was unmissable.