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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: AlanGreyjoy on June 16, 2015, 11:28:42 AM

Title: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: AlanGreyjoy on June 16, 2015, 11:28:42 AM
Hey guys,

So my engine is knocking like hell.

installed a new lower chain tensioner about a month ago, but no change.

Thought the sounds was coming from the water pump, changed that, no change.

The knock will go away completely after 3k rpms, but it comes back once the rpms come down.

Any ideas? Any suggestions?

youtube video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOcvfF8NpXg
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: monty23psk on June 16, 2015, 03:06:49 PM
Sounds like your chain tensioner.
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: AlanGreyjoy on June 17, 2015, 09:21:06 AM
Sounds like your chain tensioner.

You mean to one I just replaced?
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: monty23psk on June 17, 2015, 08:30:22 PM
It sounds chain related, as the chain is spinning and loose/rubbing. One of your guides or sprockets might also be loose or something related to that. Does the sound get louder as you accelerator. If so, then its something with the chain in my opinion.
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: Tgoode318 on June 17, 2015, 08:52:57 PM
man that poor m42, that is some hellacious chain slap! Monty is on the right track bad guides perhaps.. You will need to open her up and inspect the components. Also when you replaced the tensioner did it improve at all?
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: colin86325 on June 18, 2015, 07:42:29 AM
It does sound chain related.  Strangely enough, I had a similar problem where there was a rattling noise.  I automatically assumed it was the timing chain/components, but it turned out to be the water pump.    I was expecting the water pump failure mode to be a squeeking/chirping noise, but in my case it sounded like a timing chain problem.
See if you can wiggle the pump pulley/fan to expose any play in the pump.
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: AlanGreyjoy on June 18, 2015, 10:43:14 AM
When I replaced the lower tensioner, the noise got really nasty, then settled down like normal. But... it did seem to be louder than before lol.

I thought the sounds was coming from the water pump. When I had the hood on, the sounds was coming straight from there, or so I thought. I replaced the water pump, the knocking is still there.

The sound seems to come from the intake lmao. Or under it. Which I am thinking it's a rod bearing. The one that connects to the crank (not sure of the exact name).

So, to inspect the chain, i take off the valve cover and the entire front case? Are there any write ups on chain inspecting for our motors?

Does a rod bearing sound out of the question?

I assume all I need to do is drop the oil pan and start tugging on them and see if they move.

I know it's an old motor. I have thought of doing a swap... but I love my m42 :(

Also, the sounds stays the same pitch when I accelerated. But after 3k rpms, it goes away 100%

Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: AlanGreyjoy on June 18, 2015, 05:23:45 PM
Ok...

So how much play should there be on the chain? I can grab the chain on the right side, and it will pull off the sprocket and touch the side of the case.... this may in fact be what we are hearing. Is that to much play?

Taking the case bolts off now... but missing my giant wrench to take the stupid fan off lol.
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: colin86325 on June 18, 2015, 05:36:53 PM
Yes, that sounds like too much slack.
I'm thinking one of the rails or the bottom sprocket/bearing has broken.
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: AlanGreyjoy on June 18, 2015, 06:17:03 PM
Yes, that sounds like too much slack.
I'm thinking one of the rails or the bottom sprocket/bearing has broken.

yup... holy shit man... I don't even have the side guide rail anymore! It's.... just half of one lol. The damn chain dug into the case as well. About to remove the lower case as well. I was not prepaired to remove so much stuff. And as always when working on cars, that one tool you NEVER use, is missing. #23 socket for the crank.
Title: Re: Engine knocking, can't figure it out.
Post by: AlanGreyjoy on June 18, 2015, 08:46:22 PM
I'd also like to note.. that ever since I bought the car (4 years ago) it has never ever hit normal operating temperature. I just assumed it was a bad sensor.

Boy was I wrong.

I found that the t-stat is broken and stuck open. Jesus... good thing I don't have a cat or an o2 sensor. This explains the horrible horrible gas mileage I get. I just assumed it had bad gas mileage becasue of the chip the PO had put in it.

Guess I need to stop assuming so damn much.  :P