I think I'm screwed.

[SHOspazz92]

I don't know if this tapping was there the whole time, But once I replaced my very noisy alternator I definently noticed it. The first thing I thought was the maybe the Timing chain was slapping against the "rear" valve cover (Closest to the firewall) due to a bad tensioner. I put my hand on the front valve cover and not feel anything hitting. On the rear one I really can't feel much either. The noise is definently coming from the rear (Driver side) of the engine. It was not real constant at first but has definently become more in snyc with engine RPM at idle.

However, On the Driver side if I listen under the car the Tapping is very Audible. I know the only way to tell is to take the Valve covers off and check the tensioner's but for the next few weeks thats not a option. I'm supposed to go to paul and ashley in two weeks to have my rod bearings done but unfortunently I'm still waiting on my rod bearing kit from RCM. No oil light FWIW, Altho I know thats not always the case. I'm scared the car won't even make it either way. We'll see what happens. This car has turned in to a nitemare. :sun:

-Sam

 

[Ishodu]

Get under the car and see if the noise is comming from the bottom.

 

[SHOspazz92]

Get under the car and see if the noise is comming from the bottom.

Oh, It most certainly is. If I have the car running and stick my head under there it is more Audible then ever. SHO FTW!!!!!!!! :woo-hoo:

-Sam

 

[Ishodu]

Damn, maybe you better try the job yourself or get some local help to try and get it fixed. I wouldn't drive it until you look in there. There are good instructions around and the job is not that hard.

 

[Kean_SHO]

does it sound like light tapping on an empty steel coffee can?
mine has done that for a year or so... ive never been able to locate the source. i can hear it under the car and on the firewall side. it doesn't have bad gas mileage or eat tons of oil that i can tell and still has plenty of power. its not my primary vehicle anymore, and ive stopped driving it hard until i get the maintenance done. this winter i will be pulling the motor for a 3.2 swap. if not ill at least be doing rod bearings and valve shims. im certain the unidentified tapping i have is not the valves (but i can hear those too).

 

[SHOspazz92]

Damn, maybe you better try the job yourself or get some local help to try and get it fixed. I wouldn't drive it until you look in there. There are good instructions around and the job is not that hard.

Of course the Job is very intimidating however I would try it myself with the help of SHOPP. One problem is that I live in the dorm. I got tons of flack for doing my alternator in the parking lot. The Base does have a Auto hobby shop with every tool I would need and even a few lifts on hand but the hours of operation conflict with my work schedule. We'll see what happens.

FWIW, The car has PLENTY of power, Does not burn oil or let out any smoke of any kind. It has 125k, The oil was changed at 3k intervals religously and the Top and front 60k were all completed at 80k. The rod bearings however have never been done. oops.

I Just filled up the gas tank to, Damn.

-Sam

 

[hawkeye18]

special lib chit FTW. One would hope that "I want my car to continue working" would be a sufficient reason...

 

[SHOspazz92]

special lib chit FTW. One would hope that "I want my car to continue working" would be a sufficient reason...

Not quite following. If your implying that I don't care about the car your are mistaken. To be honest with you I have other priorities in my life. A 13 year old Taurus is certainly not at the top compared to my career and making sure I'm caught up on my bills and what not takes priority. I also have an upcoming deployment to worry about. I have pride of ownership for this car. I owe it to the previous owner who sold me such a beautifull well mantained car at such a good price to have some. But, In the long run I will get to it when I get it to it. It's not my #1 on my agenda.

-Sam

 

[SeanMc]

Exhaust leak ?

 

[SHOspazz92]

Exhaust leak ?

Possibly. We'll see.

-Sam

 

[SeanMc]

Is it a high pitch tapping noise, or a low hollow sounding one? If it's the latter, well then

 

[SHOspazz92]

Is it a high pitch tapping noise, or a low hollow sounding one? If it's the latter, well then

High Pitch.

-Sam

 

[hawkeye18]

Not quite following. If your implying that I don't care about the car your are mistaken. To be honest with you I have other priorities in my life. A 13 year old Taurus is certainly not at the top compared to my career and making sure I'm caught up on my bills and what not takes priority. I also have an upcoming deployment to worry about. I have pride of ownership for this car. I owe it to the previous owner who sold me such a beautifull well mantained car at such a good price to have some. But, In the long run I will get to it when I get it to it. It's not my #1 on my agenda.

-Sam

Ooook... it seems abundantly clear that the navy and air force do not use the same terminology. You said that finding time at the hobby shop is hard due to your schedule. In the navy you can route a special request form that requests a day off of work to do important things. I don't know if they have the same sort of concept in the AF but

I'm not trying to imply that you don't care about your car... far from it. I'm kind of offended you'd even say that. But I can understand you're upset... god knows I would be in the same situation.

If it makes you feel any better... my blend door suddenly stopped working, accompanied by a VERY strong burnt electronics smell coming out of the vent... I'd rather change your rod bearings than my blend door actuator. Wanna trade?

 

[SeanMc]

High Pitch.

-Sam

Then I don't think it's bearings. Go to an exhaust shop and have them check it out and weld up the hole.

 

[SHOspazz92]

Ooook... it seems abundantly clear that the navy and air force do not use the same terminology. You said that finding time at the hobby shop is hard due to your schedule. In the navy you can route a special request form that requests a day off of work to do important things. I don't know if they have the same sort of concept in the AF but

I'm not trying to imply that you don't care about your car... far from it. I'm kind of offended you'd even say that. But I can understand you're upset... god knows I would be in the same situation.

If it makes you feel any better... my blend door suddenly stopped working, accompanied by a VERY strong burnt electronics smell coming out of the vent... I'd rather change your rod bearings than my blend door actuator. Wanna trade?

Sorry about that. Didnt mean to offend. Everything has just come at once with this car. Between the 1200 Dollars getting it out here, The alternator going out, The suspension Issues and now this, I'm suffering from a bit of shell shock. I'm missing my skyline right now (I hated that car). I could take leave to work on the car but I don't want to burn any (I have not been home for christmas in 3 years) and quite honestly with my "new" Job I think its more important to get trained up to speed before I worry about asking for time off to get this car done.

But, I did not mean to offend over a little misunderstanding. You have certainly been a big help to me with all the information you have provided me with in the recent weeks (It actually has helped), So I do appreciate that. That goes for everyone else. However as stated, The car is certainly not a top priority. It will get done however.

-Sam

 

[yamahaSHO]

If you think you have a spun bearing, pull one plug wire at a time and see if it goes away when you run it. If it goes away, (if it is indeed spun), that is the one you spun.

 

[SHOspazz92]

If you think you have a spun bearing, pull one plug wire at a time and see if it goes away when you run it. If it goes away, (if it is indeed spun), that is the one you spun.

Fantastic! Did not even think of doing that!

-Sam

 

[hawkeye18]

damn, that's actually a really good idea. Makes perfect sense, too... if there's no force being applied to the piston due to lack of spark, it won't knock...

Brilliant!

 

[randy'sho]

just a thought....try pushing in your clutch pedal and see if the noise goes away....could be a possible Throw Out Bearing on the fritz!

 

[St Louis SHO]

I've seen many new TOB's make a noise similar to that described.