My SHO became a diesel.

[Mrhappytuzi]

My Gen 1 hasn't run for a couple of years and over the course of the winter i've been working on stuffing my 3.2 in. Well I started it up today and let it run for about 20 minutes and noticed after awhile it had this pretty wicked clacking noise coming from the front of the engine. This engine came from my old ATX that had a little less than a 100k on the motor. The fuel in the car is about 2 years old. It sounds like it could be a nasty rod knock, but it seems like the noise is occuring too frequently. well heres the video.

 

[notbange]

Maybe the cam chain tensioner? My 93 does that after sitting for a few weeks, it suffered from infrequent oil changes at the hands of the previous owner.

 

[Mrhappytuzi]

I did think that. I had one go out on my other ATX, BUT it seemed to have a different sound than that. I don't really remember since that was a few years ago. To me it sounds a bit more valve related but hopefully not. I'll have to pull the valve covers anyway. I am just curious as to what light some of the other folks can shed.

 

[ilikepoultry]

need more info... i'd say it could be rod bearings... main bearings... valve issues... i'd say:
a) check oil level
b) get out the screwdriver and listen for where the noise is strongest... lower, middle, upper
c) rev it a bit, see if the noise changes... is it base engine, trans, etc.
d) report back

 

[SHOMON]

Sounds like the timing belt tensioner. Did you leave the hydraulic ATX one or convert to 3.0 accessory drive. Pull the upper timing cover and start the car.

 

[Mrhappytuzi]

it was converted to an mtx belt tensioner. The noise seems to be coming from the front head. Doesn't seem to be a rod knock since the noise is too fast. I have the valve covers off now and the timing chain tensioners don't seem to be sloppy. . I'm not really sure what my next step is.. because I'm a bit confused.

 

[zblackbeast]

Spit a shim maybe?

Every now and then when my car sits for a while and I try and start it, i get a rattle from the heads.. I know thats the cam chain slapping on the guide till pressure builds.. That doesnt sound like either cam or timing belt tensioner..

 

[SHOtimer]

I'd also vote for removing the cam chain tensioners...cleaning them up and reinstalling. That is probably the root of your problem.

I'd also inspect the timing belt tension.

Then change the oil, and re-start.

Doug

 

[Mrhappytuzi]

I drained the oil today.. seen a few speckles of gold in the drain pan. I ordered a set of bearings last night. This weekend I'll change both tensioners since I have spare set...somewhere in my garage. When you clean these chains.. you just wash them up with a parts washer? Is there anything else that needs to be done with the tensioner? Anyway I'll have another round of poking and prodding at this damn car on Saturday. Thanks in advance.. and I'll make sure i report back..

 

[AREA 91]

I drained the oil today.. seen a few speckles of gold in the drain pan. I ordered a set of bearings last night. This weekend I'll change both tensioners since I have spare set...somewhere in my garage. When you clean these chains.. you just wash them up with a parts washer? Is there anything else that needs to be done with the tensioner? Anyway I'll have another round of poking and prodding at this damn car on Saturday. Thanks in advance.. and I'll make sure i report back..

I would take the tensioners apart to clean them.
I would also stretch the spring a little bit for added tension.

 

[Sholovenothate]

surprised nobody said anything about this..

you might want to get some new gas also... 2 year old gas isn't good for that car.

Get some fresh 93 octane in there.