Went mudding, engine much louder

hey guys I went mudding a couple weeks back and got into about 3 1/2’+ of mud and slop. After I got it out, I cleaned out the engine compartment and added belt conditioner. Which did help. But the engine is definitely sounding louder and “tighter”(is the best way to describe it. Like when you install a new timing belt.
I’m thinking I missed some mud somewhere like maybe it got into the alternator or something.

 

Remove your accessory belt. Takes 30 seconds.

Then spin all of your idler pulleys by hand and you should find out fairly quickly if one of them is now dying as a result of getting mud/water in it. The bearings fail soon after water and mud. I've experienced this more than a few times. If one is going bad it will be MUCH louder than the others (unless they are ALL bad....which is unlikely).

That's my guess as to what's wrong. If that proves to be true, they are fairly cheap to buy.

 

^Same has happened to me as well. The very bottom idler pulley was the culprit in my case. You could also use a mechanics stethoscope to diagnose as well. Just make sure you dont touch the rotating bits, or you'll be deaf for a few minutes (ask me how i know)

 

Lol thanks guys. That makes perfect sense. I thought they’d be able to handle the water better than that.
I’ll check that out!