My 318is is making a terrible noise! (with video)

[subi_life]

So I picked up a 1991 318is not to long ago and recently is has been making a terrible noise from the engine! I have read that it might be the tensioner which I am going to replace this weekend. I wanted to post a video first and see if anyone could give me their opinion on what they think it is.
Thanks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aswhk7lhEpg

[keflaman]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Sometimes videos are deceiving because they pick up so much noise. From what you posted, it sounds as though the exhaust is broken, but I'm sure you would know that. Sorry, not much help.

[subi_life]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry it is hard to hear on the video. It sounds more of a ticking sound. I have a new tensioner on the way. What else should I check if it is not timing chain related? Is there anything else I can look at to get a feel for something worn?

[colin86325]

Make sure your water pump is in good shape.  I thought my tensioner was back but it was my water pump.  When I grabbed and wiggled the fan there was noticeable play.

[keflaman]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry it is hard to hear on the video. It sounds more of a ticking sound. I have a new tensioner on the way. What else should I check if it is not timing chain related? Is there anything else I can look at to get a feel for something worn?

You can use a wooden dowel or something similar to probe the engine surface and listen for anything unusual. Place one end of the dowel on the engine and the other end on your left or right tragus so that it covers the auditory meatus. It might help to plug your other ear during the process. If you can isolate the noise to one particular area we may be able to advise you better.

Good luck and be thankful I'm not a proctologist.

[ispierrot]

Hi,

your oil pump sucks air, remove the oil pan and replace the screws in the housing.

[subi_life]

Hi,

your oil pump sucks air, remove the oil pan and replace the screws in the housing.

Thanks I will check that next! I replaced the tensioner and over 1k is sounds nice and quiet. Just at idle is where it is very loud. Could the oil pump just be what is making it loud at idle?

[subi_life]

I pulled the oil pan today and it was clean. No metal pieces or anything. Under 1k rpms the ticking noise is there and also the oil light is on. When I rev the engine to about 1500rpms the engine smooths out, the ticking is gone and the oil light goes away. What could cause this?