How do I get to my cams? and if I dont know, should I be trying to?

[Rio]

How do I get to my cams? and if I dont know, should I be trying to?

Oh... I really dont know what to do with this KNOCKING issue. I called a guy (Ron Heide) that Beth referred me to awhile ago, but he said that he doesnt do internal engine work. So, I dont know what to do. If I KNEW what the problem is, I would just go for it. But right now, there is a lot of possibilities..Rods, Cam chains..etc

The knocking is REALLY loud, but there is NO loss in power, so what does that kinda narrow it down to? Is there anyone in my area that could give me a hand? THANX frown

<small>[ February 18, 2003, 12:50 PM: Message edited by: Rio ]</small>

 

[Mr Anonymous]

The cams are located beneath the valve covers. There are lots of pix in other threads. Have you tried using a stethoscope to better isolate the source of the noise? I think AutoZone and most auto parts stores sell mechanic's stethoscopes for around $8-12.

 

[Rio]

I fear that starting the engine would cause further damage...I really have no idea what to do. I dont have school all this week...so I havent needed the car, and I havent driven it since Saturday night.

 

[ckinart]

Rio,

As you've pointed out, there are a number of possibilities that can cause a significant engine knock... just thought I'd suggest an experience I had last summer:

look here

I thought I had a massive internal problem, but it turned out to be something a little more simple (albeit rather expensive) to fix.

Hope you track your problem down soon, and it turns out to be something simple...

Good luck!

<small>[ February 18, 2003, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: ckinart ]</small>

 

[Rio]

thanx man, but how'd u find it?

I mean, my knock is VERY loud, maybe that is because I have it in the garage,but the noise can be clearly heard. Where is the A/C pulley? and how did you fix it?

can you describe the "knock" that you experienced with the problem?

<small>[ February 18, 2003, 02:55 PM: Message edited by: Rio ]</small>

 

[shojuan]

I'd say there's a 90% chance you'll find the problem is on the bottom end rather than the top end. Since it wouldn't hurt to replace those rod bearings anyways I think you should just start down here. Yes, you've expressed your concerns at being 17 years old with limited car work experience. FWIW I'd trust somebody, experienced or not, to do a better job taking apart the lower end knowing that the shoforum will be there to guide them through it and offer advice, then I would a professional who's on the clock.

Another way to look at it too is because your SHO needs some serious TLC from you right about now, it's a good opportunity to learn about how cars work. Not too many better teachers than a good stout engine that needs repairs combined with a resource like shoforum. When I was 17 all I had was a really crappy Haynes manual for my 914. Opportunity stands right in front you you. thumbs_u

 

[Rio]

cool man...this is EXACTLY what I am feeling. BUT, I dont wanna do the rod bearing job, and have that NOT be the problem. Then I'd be F'd...u know?

But, ok...what would you say use 4 the bearing job? Ramps?

Thanx for all the great input thumbs_u

 

[Mr Anonymous]

You state that despite the noise, you have verified that the engine still (appears, anyway) to generate full power. That being the case, any damage has ALREADY been done, and idling the car for 5-10 minutes to track down the source of the noise with a stethoscope isn't likely to cause enough damage to progress the noise from repairable to beyond repair.

You need to FIND THE NOISE before you can start thinking about solutions. I can give you a list of hundreds of parts to replace at a cost of several thousand dollars, and eventually you'll repair the problem making the noise, but doesn't it make more sense to first isolate the source of the noise and then consider the options? Guessing is an expensive way to fix a problem.

If you just can't figure it out, check with your local Ford dealers for their diagnostic service. They will usually charge $80-$100 to tell you what's wrong and give you an estimate to repair without further obligation. They will use a stethoscope and probably ID the noise in under 5 mins.

BTW, have you tried changing your oil and checking for metal shavings/pieces?

 

[Rio]

okay...i went to buy a stethescope, but it was 16 bucks!!! eek! So, instead...i just lifted the car with the factory jack and listened to the noise. Initially, I thought top end, because I could sorta feel the knock on the intake runners. But, I put my big head under the car and that is when the knock was the loudest. I was afraid to put my head directly under the oil pan because of the bogus jack i was using. I'm just gonna wait until I can get my dads hydralic jack. Anyway...i am now pretty confident that the knocking is from rod bearings. However, what could it also be? What should be my next step? just go ahead and order the rod bearings?

Thanx for ALL the help guys it is really appreciated thumbs_u

 

[Yamaha V6]

If you've got a rod knock that bad, the crank's 99.9% f'd. You're looking at a possible crankshaft replacement, at which point, find yourself a cheap engine, do the rod bearings on that one, and replace the powerplants.

If you haven't scored the crankshaft, you may still be in luck.

Next question (after verifying you have scored the crankshaft), is the car worth that?

I don't mean to sound like a total pr!ck, but if you can't afford to spend $16 to help diagnose what could be an engine-killing problem, this isn't the car for you, man.

Best of luck, seriously.

 

[projectSHO89]

Your next step is to NOT order anything until you have a clear picture of the best solution to the problem.

Slow down, take your time, and reach a diagnosis that is most likely to solve your problem.

Once you have that real floorjack, remove the right front wheel. Start the engine and place the probe tip on the center of the crank dampener bolt and listen for the noise. If it is extremely pronounced at this test point, you would need to inspect for crank cancer.

Put the car on jackstands and use that 'scope on the underside. See what/where turns up.

Steve

 

[sdpatt]

Follow the diagnostics just posted first, but be aware that the rod bearings are only $45 for the set from NAPA auto parts. I'm afraid though, that if it is the rod bearings making that much noise, too much damage may have already been done to the crankshaft journal.

 

[shojuan]

When you get a real jack, make sure to use jackstands along with it!!! I don't want to hear about anybody getting under their car with just a jack supporting it and no life saving jackstands.

You can use a length of cheap plastic tubing as a stethescope. Just get a dollar's worth of tubing at your local hardware store. One end goes on the part you want to listen to. The other end goes next to your ear.

It won't cost you anything to pull that oil pan and inspect the rod bearings. Your car isn't going anywhere anyways so you can at least see if your crank is still good (and it very well might be). If the crank's good then replace the rod bearings and get an oil pan gasket set, a tube of good RTV silicone, and a gasket for your oil pick up tube and put it all back together. If the crank's bad then you'll know what you've got to do. And you won't have spent anything but some time.

 

[Rio]

Thanx for all the good info guys...really, its appreciated, dont know where I'd be right now if it werent for you all.

What am I looking for to determine if the crank is still good or not? I have NO idea. I am guessin that I should just look for damage that the bearings could have damaged

 

[shojuan]

Rio:
Thanx for all the good info guys...really, its appreciated, dont know where I'd be right now if it werent for you all.

What am I looking for to determine if the crank is still good or not? I have NO idea. I am guessin that I should just look for damage that the bearings could have damaged

When you remove the rod bearing caps you'll see if the crank looks like smoothly polished metal or if it has score grooves in it. It should be pretty obvious and of course you'll be posting here to corroborate your findings.

 

[Rio]

yes, of course...man if my engine is F'd...I wouldnt know what to do! I put $3,000 into maintenance for the car (all the money I saved this summer) and about $1,000 into stereo equipment. And when I bought the car, my mom DID NOT want me to get a 9 year-old ford. Now I kind of wish I had gotten a leased car (ie RSX, Mustang) I need to stop talking about this. B/c I dont think any car could replace my SHO!

I talked to my mom and she had this "i told you so" smirk the ENTIRE time! I feel like I've done something wrong by wanting this car. I would feel REALLY bad if my parents have to end-up buying me another car. I REALLY HOPE THERE IS NO DAMAGE and my baby is fine. wish my luck guys...and SHOjaun, yes I will post my findings..hopefully they will be something like this..."i fixed it! and I heard the sweet sound of 4k once again!" thumbs_u

 

[Modemagic]

Hey dude... first of all... remind your mom of her teenage days. Then remind her that you could be in a riced out Honda. After ya get her off yer back, take that car and put her in the air and see what you find. A picture is worth a thousand words, on the forum, its worth its weight in gold. If not, find a buddy with one and ask him to shoot a couple of pics. If all else fails search the forum for crank pics and point out which one best matches yours. Yeah, I know its kinda lame, but there are people on here that can help you get your SHO back on the road, and cheaper than ANY Ford dealership.

One last thought, your in Michigan, I've seen several people on here from the MI area. It couldn't hurt to find some of them and ask them if they could give you a hand, and if you do, remember to have the Pepsis and pizza ready.

Just my .02 worth though...

Good luck thumbs_u

 

[Rio]

ya, I have been out of school this WHOLE week!!! But I have not had the jack nor the stands to safely checkout the engine. I asked if anyone in the area could help..got no responses. Well...again....if there is ANYONE in my area that could help and/or give me good input/advise that would be GREATLY appreciated..and yes there may be pizza and pepsi or Coke waiting for ya.

Thanx guys

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Rio:
ya, I have been out of school this WHOLE week!!! But I have not had the jack nor the stands to safely checkout the engine. I asked if anyone in the area could help..got no responses. Well...again....if there is ANYONE in my area that could help and/or give me good input/advise that would be GREATLY appreciated..and yes there may be pizza and pepsi or Coke waiting for ya.

Thanx guys

Try posting a new topic in the Open Forum or Contacting Members forum, something like "Michigan SHO Expert Help Needed!"

 

[Rio]

k, thanx man! thumbs_u