Horrible Noise - Timing Chains?

[StagnJag]

Hi all,

I have a horrible noise from the front of my engine. I think it is the timing chains, or more specifically the tensioners that are not doing what they should. The chains (And whole engine) have only done 4500 miles since total rebuild. It doesn't happen on start up - only when the engine has warmed up.

I have recorded the noise on my camcorder and uploaded it to YouYube

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2xcCT94cDU )

Please could someone have a listen and give me your thoughts. - it isn't much to look at, I strapped the recorder into the engine bay and recorded it as I was driving along!

Cheers

Dave

[Ian Durrant]

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It certainly sounds like it might be chains, but not the usual tinkling noise, more like the chain is being pulled over the tensioner or guide and the tensioner/guide is missing some of the rubber. Either that or the chain tensioner is so far out one chain is hitting the other. Either way I wouldn't drive it any more until you have invesitigated.

if you shine a torch down the oil filler cap you should be able to see the tensioner and see how far out it is. Thats where i'd start anyway, followed by taking the cam covers off for a better look.

[GDPR]

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Do you want to borrow my endoscope so you can have a proper look? Or if you are feeling brave, bring it to the meeting wednesday and I'll have a first hand listen.

[StagnJag]

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kryten wrote:

Do you want to borrow my endoscope so you can have a proper look? Or if you are feeling brave, bring it to the meeting wednesday and I'll have a first hand listen.

Hi Russ,

If you are going to the meet on Wednesday I will bring it along - a good diagnosis would be very much appreciated. (I drove it to the New Forest and back last weekend with it like that so hopefully it will make it to the Blacksmiths and back!:shock.

Cheers


Dave

[GDPR]

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That's sorted then - see you wednesday

[StagnJag]

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Ta.

[milothedog]

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Dave, have you tried running it with no belts on. Shortly after buying mine I had an horrendous noise that shouned like slack chains, it turned out to be the alternator self destructing (bits fell out of it as I took it off) it must be worth a try.

best of luck

Ian.

[Giles]

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if you have not got a stethoscope you can listen up a large screw driver or similar and confirm roughly where the noise is coming from

fingers crossed for you

[Giles]

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just another thought - difficult to tell from the video but have you checked the alternator fan is not catching on the cooling hose right by it - it is close and mine moved slightly and started catching - made a horrible clacking type noise, might be worth a quick look if you have not already checked ?

[V Mad]

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You say when driving along,that suggest it doesn make a noise when stationary?

I may be wrong but its quite random, doesnt sound in relation to the engine revs, more like something else loose in the engine bay. Check everything you can and make sure its tight, including fan guard, air filter, cool air duct, radiator mounting.

Finally make sure the viscous couplingdoesnt rattle when you grab the blades and shake it; ENGINE OFF of course.

[StagnJag]

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Hi All,

Thank you for all your suggestions so far. I haven't been near the car today so I haven't been in a position to check any of your suggestions yet, however,

Ian - I haven't tried running it with no belts on, but it seems louder on the N/S so I don't think it's that, but certainly worth a look.

Giles - I don't have a stethoscope, but it seems low down on the front N/S I don't want to catch my head on the fan using a screwdriver :shock:. I will see what Russ comes up with on Wednesday. I have checked the alternator fan and it isn't catching on anything. The main fan does seem to be very close to the jubilee clip screw on the bottom hose so I will have a look at that, but I don't think it is touching.

Chris - It does make the noise when stationary, it tends to occur when the engine drops to idle, approaching junctions etc. Not noticable at all when driving along. Fan guard is a good call, I will check this the Rad was replaced a couple of months ago so worth a check. The VC was the first thing I checked, I have had three of these give up since owning the car so acutely aware of these failing!

Cheers

Dave

[mad cyclist]

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my thoughts were alternator i must admit. did you report back to the engine builder?

[riviera kid]

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Hi Listening to the video, the sound is not constant and dos'nt happen on start up ,only under load your, chains could be touching the front casing,were new tensioners used when the engine was rebuilt ? Could be altenator pulley blades fouling front of alternator or viscious coupling breaking up. regards Tony.

[StagnJag]

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Sods law, I drove it to our N&N tonight, and it purred like a kitten. So I am still none the wiser.:?.

Typical!

[Tdm]

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Might seem a silly suggestion, but could it be the bracket with the hole in it that sits over the top cog of the timing chain (the one you attach a nut to when changing chains) not having been re-centred properly and occasionally catching the cog or rod.?l Sorry if this is not a very good description, but the noise does sound like it is something occasionally catching.