weird noise from engine

[saweddoffjeep]

so last night i was driving home and i started to hear a strange sound coming from the passenger side of the engine, it sounds like scratching, or when a cd skips, and i have no idea wat that is

any suggestions?

[Midnight Krawler]

Check your distributor cap and rotor to see if they're rubbing. The bearing in the distributor can make a squeal or chirping noise.

[saweddoffjeep]

i checked my distributor cap and rotor, and all that seems fine, but when i popped the hood i noticed my radiator overflow tank was empty, and there was the green liquid all over the engine compartment
would that be what was wrong?

[saweddoffjeep]

filled the coolant bottle up, and i tried to start it up, but it sounds like grinding now, could that be the starter? im guessing it is

[sw4218]

Most likely it's the alternator bearing. Take the serpentine belt off and spin the alternator and see if you hear that noise. That nasty green stuff can do a number on alternators.

[saweddoffjeep]

i dont think it could be the alternator, but i would definately take a good look to see just incase, i also checked the starter and there was a fair amount of oil and the nasty green crap all over it