HELP Engine ratcheting noise problem

[raulsho]

Hi, I'm new on the forum and I need help; I have a blue 1995 ATX with 174K on it; I was driving two days ago and it started to make a ratcheting noise on the passenger side, it just happens between 1200 to 1900 RPM.
I don't know what could it be.
Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated
Thanks

 

[sdpatt]

Welcome to the SHO Forum. I'm afraid that you are going to need to provide a little more detail in your informtion about the noise. Our ears can't hear it so only your words can be used to describe the condition.

Is it engine speed dependent? Car speed dependent? Does it happen only while rolling? That kind of information is very important when trying to diagnose something as generic as a noise.

You could open the hood and raise the engine speed by hand with the throttle cable cam at the throttle body. Use those ears to get a better idea of where the sound is coming from. It is likely from the serpentine belt area. See if you can determine which accessory (alternator, A/C compressor) or idler pulley can be the source.

Does it sound like it is coming from inside the plastic timing belt covers? That could be more difficult to determine.

Let us know what you find.

 

[raulsho]

I opened the hood to have a better idea about the noise and the noise is cooming from inside the timing belt cover and happens only between 1200 to 1900 RPM when rolling and when I'm parked; I removed the upper timing belt cover and the timing belt it's kind of loose, could it be the timing belt tensioner or idler pulley?

 

[SHOMEX]

Hello guys, we really need help on this problem with the timing belt, it's a little loose on the top part under the dis module, we need to know what could be that led the timing belt that way, because we'll be looking for replacement parts but need to know what to look for. Thanks in advance for any help that you guys can provide.

 

[Rob94]

Only two things can be the cause. Either the timing belt is old and has stretched, requiring it to be changed. Or the tensioner can no longer keep proper tension on the belt.

 

[SHOMEX]

Thanks for that quick info.

 

[sdpatt]

It's a 3.2L. The belt should be tight even if it is old and stretched. The only way for the 3.2L's timing belt to become slack is if the tensioner has lost its gas pressure charge or has reached the full range of its motion to take up the slack in the belt. Either way, only a disassembly and insoection will provide the answer.