Do I Need to do my 60K?

[aaronsbiza]

Specifically Shim Replacement... I have a 95ATX, I have replaced the Spark plugs at 70K the car now has 80K. The plug wires looked fine so I did not replace them. Over the last 10K I have started hearing what I believe is tapping. It is not a single repetetive tap but more like many synchronous, very soft, almost a whoosh like sound, tapping.(Heard when accelerating Only) The car seems to have lost a bit of power, however, I have pulled no codes, have a new fuel filter and air filter, oil change... etc. The only apparent problems are upon inspection of the timing belt, which I have not yet replaced, it seems to be a little worn, the color has faded from black to a dark rubbery brown. Also, when I am running the car and goose the throttle, when the RPMs come down I can here the Timing Belt making a kind of strecthing groaning rubber on metal sound.

Could either of these factors attribute to my power loss? If so how would a worn Timing Belt effect power? Can I hold off on my valve shim job for awhile longer?

Thanks

 

[projectSHO89]

Since you are able to inspect the timing belt, look for reddish-brown dust inside the entire covered area. If you have it, you have crank cancer. This will cause mis-timing and poor performance and will cause a knocking sound. This malady can also be diagnosed by putting a mechanic's stethoscope directly in the center of the crank bolt while the engine is running.

Use the mechanic's stethoscope to try to locate the source of the knocking. Additional areas to check are the valve covers (checking for shims getting slapped)and over the cam chains and tensioners on the driver's side of the valve covers.

If the timing belt is indeed making noise and there is no evidence of crank cancer, then your belt tensioner has likely failed. This will also cause poor timing with a loss of performance.

Save the overdue shim job until you are sure that the front of the engine is healthy.

Steve

 

[aaronsbiza]

I did not see any evidence of crank cancer and I do not believe my tensioner is at fault. I ran the car with the timing belt cover off and the belt stays very tight and does not sway. However, Upon closer inspection, I have found the origin of the sound, the power sterring pump. That would explain my random loss of power steering. As such, is replacing the PS pump easy? Exspensive? Would a bad pump have any effect on performance?

 

[Joe'sSHO]

A bad PS pump would not cause a loss of power, but god help you if it goes out and you need to take a sharp turn. I'd fix it soon.