Is my iMac G4 supposed to sound like this?

[awshucks]

I bought an iMac G4 on ebay. The box had a big hole in it (thanks USPS), and the arm has seemed to have slightly come apart during shipping. Getting to the point, I'm wondering if the computer is supposed to be making this noise when it's on.

Thanks in advance for advice.

 

[DeltaMac]

You're hearing a "clicking" noise from the fan.
So, no, your G4 iMac is not supposed to make that noise. Probably has a failing bearing on the fan motor.
You could start by opening up the case, and checking that the fan blades are clean, and that the fan turns freely when not powered on. You will likely hear that same noise when you turn the fan by hand.

 

[awshucks]

You're hearing a "clicking" noise from the fan.
So, no, your G4 iMac is not supposed to make that noise. Probably has a failing bearing on the fan motor.
You could start by opening up the case, and checking that the fan blades are clean, and that the fan turns freely when not powered on. You will likely hear that same noise when you turn the fan by hand.

I agree. After playing with it throughout the day, I noticed it only does that sometimes - when the fan starts up. There's a ton of dust in the air holes, so I could probably clean those out too.

When I first turned it on, I got worried and thought maybe it was the HDD but I feel better about it now.

 

[Adora]

I also think it must be a fan. Maybe it collected too much dust. For me it sounds like it's just touching something.

 

[GMShadow]

If the arm is loose where it meets the base, there are screws you can tighten up. I had to do that with mine as someone had swapped the panel and not done a very good job of it.

 

[awshucks]

If the arm is loose where it meets the base, there are screws you can tighten up. I had to do that with mine as someone had swapped the panel and not done a very good job of it.

The arm isn't loose; it's actually a bit harder to position. It makes a crunching noise when moved vertically.

 

[Adora]

The arm isn't loose; it's actually a bit harder to position. It makes a crunching noise when moved vertically.

Maybe put some oil in the hinges.