loud Knocking noise

[Aaron R.]

I have a 94 3.2 automatic, with only 140,000 miles.

For the last couple of months I have noticed that in the morning on startup The engine sounds like it has no oil in it, Wait a few seconds and it is right back to normal. Now, there is a loud knocking noise from the right front corner of the engine. I used a stethoscope to pin point the noise and it is loudest of the block. From that I am assuming that I have a rod bearing or main bearing that has gone bad.

I change my oil religiously with Mobil 1 10W30 every 3000. So what I am wondering if the knocking noise in the morning is probaly my root cause and was wondering if anyone else has run into the same problem.

 

[SHOtimer]

You should stop driving the car untill you have determined the cause of the noise. You may have worn rod bearings and if you haven't driven it hard enough to damage the crank - you can swap in new bearings and have a solid motor. You will also want to check your cam chain tensioners they can cause a knock. Also, the ATX has a automatic timing belt tensioner that can wear out and cause the loose belt to make a knocking noise.

No matter what the case, I wouldn't put many miles on it untill I found out what the cause of the noise is and remedied it. You have several very knowledgeable SHO guru's in your area - I would see if they would help.

Doug

 

[Aaron R.]

later that evening i took the timming cover off the top of the belt and found that the tensioner did go bad . I have a tensioner from a 3.0 and am going to switch it. I also have all the parts to swap from the auto to the maual. That has been the number one thing that i have wanted to do to this car and this just gives me a reason to do it sooner.


Thank You for all the help.

Aaron

 

[TYSHO]

later that evening i took the timming cover off the top of the belt and found that the tensioner did go bad . I have a tensioner from a 3.0 and am going to switch it. I also have all the parts to swap from the auto to the maual. That has been the number one thing that i have wanted to do to this car and this just gives me a reason to do it sooner.


Thank You for all the help.

Aaron

On that tensioner you can see a little hole, look for it and clean it out with some B12. I had the same problem and after cleaning, I had tension. No more problems.

 

[SHOtimer]

On that tensioner you can see a little hole, look for it and clean it out with some B12. I had the same problem and after cleaning, I had tension. No more problems.

You did this with a timing BELT tensioner? On an ATX?

Doug

 

[SHOtimer]

later that evening i took the timming cover off the top of the belt and found that the tensioner did go bad . I have a tensioner from a 3.0 and am going to switch it. I also have all the parts to swap from the auto to the maual. That has been the number one thing that i have wanted to do to this car and this just gives me a reason to do it sooner.


Thank You for all the help.

Aaron

I don't think you can just swap the tensioners like that. Also, it is not very simple to just put a 5-speed in the car.

Doug

 

[SHOpoor]

You can't swap a 3.0 tensioner for a 3.2 tensioner and have it work correctly. Better to shop for a used tensioner. They show up on ebay quite often. Also, put an ad on parts wanted and you might get someone to call you. To do an MTX conversion, you will need almost an entire front clip to swap. Entire front suspension, wiring harness, computer, clutch set-up, shifter set-up, etc. I looked into it and found an MTX it fix up unstead. It's a big-big job