Engine noise after rebuild

[mrsolo2000]

After a complete engine rebuild, I have what I would describe as a medium pitched rattle at the 1200 -1700 rpm range. At rpms above 2k, it purrs like a normal 3.2l SHO engine. The noise seems to be coming from the cylinder #1 area on the top of the engine. I did remove the serpentine belt to see if it was one of the pulleys or accessories making noise, it wasn't. I am about 99.9% sure I torqued everything down to spec in the valvetrain, I have the Ford manual and I followed it precisely. I am going to spend some time and make sure all the bolts on the intake, exhaust, and other brackets are tight. Does anyone else have any suggestions for me? I am praying I don't have a serious issue and it is only minor.

 

[rubydist]

Can you record it and post the video so we can hear it?

 

[mrsolo2000]

Sorry for the delay, I got busy at work. I have a .mp4 video but the site says it's not allowed. What video format is acceptable?

 

[rubydist]

upload it to youtube and then you can link to it.

 

[mrsolo2000]

Here's the link.

 

[luigisho]

Is it coming from the top at the valve train or the front? Does it sound like belt hitting plastic? I couldn't get the best echo location with the clip. If it sounds like plastic then you could remove the 3 piece plastic cover at the front and see if that's it.

 

[mrsolo2000]

I am about 98.7% sure this is the cause of the noise. When the noise occurs, you can watch the timing belt slap around. The piston is easily pushed down by hand. I foresee a shosource purchase in my near future.

 

[rubydist]

you are right that the tensioner is no good. you should not be able to budge it at all by hand.

 

[mrsolo2000]

you are right that the tensioner is no good. you should not be able to budge it at all by hand.

The timing pulleys seem fine to me with smooth operation and no play. Do these things fail along with the tensioner?

 

[rubydist]

Sometimes the bearings dry out and they squeak or seize up, otherwise they are fine. You just need to fix the part that puts the tension on the belt, the way it sounds.

 

[Mike Spataro]

Mrsolo2000, I had the same noise as the video you sent with the engine running and turned out to be the timing belt tensioner. Change it out and you will be surprised how this limp hydraulic piston can make the engine sound so bad. Consider another new timing belt if the one you installed may have stretched. They are pretty cheap compared to the tensioner price. Mike

 

[mrsolo2000]

Sorry for not getting back for a bit. A rebuilt tensioner from SHOsource fixed the noise/problem.

I wonder why they painted it yellow....