Name that part (VR6) - Weird noises?

[joebloggsVR69 0]

What's this do? It makes some worrying crackling noises when the key's in the ignition. Can't hear it when the engine is running, but that probably because the engine noise drowns it out.

 

Are those crackling noises normal? :?

[dazzyvr6 0]

i would say that noise you are hearing is the aux water pump

[joebloggsVR69 0]

Ahh.. that might be it, does sound like water bubbling/boiling