paranoidandroid

I agree, I think the plastic engine shroud just deformed. Is the alternative a fiberglass engine shroud? I assume replacing it requires the manifold to be removed, but not necessarily an engine drop?

I forgot to mention that before I took everything apart I did take a straight edge to the pulleys and crank pulley and it lined up perfectly. I guess I just went down a rabbit hole and now will have a new fan bearing, rebuilt alternator, new belts, and prettied up fan housing/fan, but the same annoying problem I started with.

71-3.0-911

All is not lost. Those items all likely needed servicing anyway.

Some tins can be done in the car. The top one though, Id wait for an engine drop. Manifold is a pain to remove and replace in the car. I had a hell of a time with it. Royal pain. Probably would have been easier to drop the engine.

paranoidandroid

Ah, thanks for advice. I was thinking I could replace the engine shroud if I ever get issues with the SAI pump since I have to move the manifold out of the way.

71-3.0-911

Yep. Been there done that. Went through all of that year before last. If you do end up doing it, replace all your intake runner rubber sleeves. Don't get the cheap ones,buy the OEM. Cheaper ones are super rigid and extremely difficult to work with. Softer OEM will make life WAY easier.