Author Topic: HELP!!! Engine Noise (Read 3884 times)

carguy101 · « **on:** November 28, 2009, 02:10:09 PM »

Ok I have had a great running car so far and want to keep it that way. I heard this noise a few days ago and was not sure what it was. I think it may be the timing chain tensioner but I am just asking for a second opinion because I don't want to buy something that I don't need. It has 158k miles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1nGSrWEdzk

carguy101 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2009, 01:18:56 PM »

I replaced the tensioner and it is still making noise, it is making noise even lower in the revs now too. I am getting really concerned, prob being overly anal about it but I cannot afford an engine failure.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2009, 06:25:28 PM »

I'd check that lower timing chain guide, but it's a pretty involved job. Good time to replace all the leaking gaskets & the main oil seal.

You can pull the cam cover to see what the cam sprockets look like. If they're all pointy instead of flat, you might want to budget for an eventual overhaul. The chains & sprockets are made of very high quality steel, so they'll last for a while even if worn. I'd be worried more about the lower case, left guide & idler gear, parts 11 and 14 in this RealOEM schematic.

I don't want to rain on your parade...but I've heard that replacing the TC tensioner will cause a failure on the old guides sooner rather than later. It's not a recommended fix for a high mileage car. Wait for an opinion from a more experienced member, I'm just regurgitating advice I've read up preparing for my own TC & front seal overhaul.

carguy101 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2009, 09:17:07 PM »

Awesome thanks. I am going to check the pan bolts to see if it could be from oil starvation too.

Murdul · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2009, 01:27:34 PM »

I'm at work so I can't listen to your video. But my car made a good amount of racket when Part 6 the timing chain rail broke apart. It broke into several pieces. The way I found out was I took the valve cover off and fished around with a magnetic rod trying to find loose pieces. I pulled out a washer, the top of the guide rail, and the sleeve for part 9 in the drawing posted above. I actually drove another few thousand miles before I ripped the case apart and replaced all the parts. But if I hadn't fished the parts out I did I would never have made it.

Jorgeconrico · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2009, 01:39:56 PM »

My engine makes chain noise as well. I bought a new tensioner about 4 months ago, but have yet to put it in becasue I'm afraid it will cause premature engine failure as Dave stated. I noticed my timing gears were sharp when I removed the valve cover for new gaskets and paint. I hate to see a new part not being used, but I also like driving my car. I'm holding off until I can afford all the parts for a timing rebuild.

Edit: When I checked my lower oil pan it was clean as a whistle. There were no bolts or pieces of chain etc...but the idea still scares me. I would rather do a full timing rebiuld to put my mind at ease.

Ramblin MAn · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2009, 03:30:53 PM »

That sounds like low oil pressure to me.

carguy101 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2009, 02:18:59 PM »

I am thinking I am going to do a full timing rebuild depending on what the pan reveals and what under the valve cover tells me, while I can because I am home from school. I am just waiting on the gaskets and driving as little as possible. Thank you so much for your input!

carguy101 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 25, 2009, 11:06:06 PM »

ok i just checked my pan and everything looked pretty good I just made sure everything is snug and it was just a little turn not really anything to the bolts. when i pulled the valve cover everything looked pretty good with little wear on the lobes a very slight wear if any. The cam gears look pretty good and I am thankful for that too

I now am thinking it is the top guide because I can get the chain to wiggle a little bit in the guide. That is part 20 in http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AJ93&mospid=47318&btnr=11_1191&hg=11&fg=25

How much clearance is there or should there be any?

carguy101 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 25, 2009, 11:58:23 PM »

I also noticed that the exhaust side cam gear was adjusted all the way to the drivers side if that makes sense, I have only seen it in the middle and is there any relevancy to that to anything or has it been adjusted to make more power?