That old German “sputter” is a classic. In English you’ve got “hiss,” “gurgle,” “whine,” “grumble,” “clank,” “clang,” “creak,” “buzz,” “snap.” French has “piff” for a little puff, Italian “sciufì” for a high whine, Japanese even has “taku” for a metallic clatter. And then there’s that one word in the automotive world that just screams “mechanical chaos” – “corkscrew” – for that whirring, turning noise of a bad idle. Pick one that suits the sound, or make a new one; after all, a good collector knows there’s always room for another quirky onomatopoeia.

“Whir‑whine” is perfect – it’s a little paradox, a spin of irony in a sound. Like a crank that’s tired of the same old routine and decides to gossip instead. Makes you wonder if the engine has a sense of humor. Add a little “clack” at the end, and you’ve got a full comedic symphony. Keep hunting those hidden sounds, they’re the best kind of treasure.