Noise at timing chain

[76malaga02]

A noise has developed in the timing chain area while the motor is at idle. It sounds like the plastic "guide" may be broken and is in contact with the chain. 76 malaga 02

Any ideas?

[tkent02]

You should be able to see what's wrong from the top with the valve cover off.

[c.d.iesel]

DO NOT RUN THAT MOTOR UNTILL

you have inspected and located the cause for the noise !

IF A broken piece of chain guide works it's way between

the chain and gears - you will have a huge hunk of junk metal.

Remove the cam cover and first inspect with a light - inspect for the tesenior holding tension against the chain rail - and remove any bits that

you can find. If the rail and chain are loose loose - try a new hyd. tensioner. It should pump up with oil and hold tension.

Did this 'noise' start after a 'spirited' drive ? over rev? cold ?

mystery motor history?

With the cover off - also inspect for a broken/loose rocker arm(s).

Slowly hand crank the motor over with all plugs removed by just grabing the alternator belt and fan pully - it's very easy to do.

[TobyB]

yeah,

pull the valve cover and front cover-

from there you should be able to check everything that usually fails.

That plastic guide's not all that important, but the other side is, and if the oil damper's pooped out, it can make a mess of things if the chain's completely unrestrained.

Having said that, check your engine fan carefully- i've spent way too long troubleshooting a loose timing chain when the fan was hitting something...

likewise, the alt, valve lash, heck, even the weights in the distributor!

t

[76malaga02]

duh, duh, duh,

guess I got a little excited, when I first heard the noise I opened the hood and only listened, and it was dark. Well (i really feel stupid, but happy) the next day I found out that the noise was the pre-heater hose had broken and would hit the fan at low rpms.

You see my 02 is my main transportation, daily driver, and thanks to our Cal Govenor, I have to go back to smog check this year!