Timing Chain Rattle? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

07-31-2003, 07:33

Hey fella's, I need some confirmation before I start work on my parents car. What happens is that something in the engine bay is making a kind of a light grinding "grrr" noise which is most noticible when giving a bit of accelerator when starting the car up, and also when it's at idle and revving it up a little. It isn't so noticable when the car is at higher revs.

I've figured that it's most likely the timing chain, and it's gonna cost me around $550 to do(i'm gonna get their head recoed as well for them), so I wanna make sure that this what the problem is before I spend their money. I knw it's not the power steering pump, cos i've taken the belt off that and tried and the noise is still there. The only other thing I could think it could be is the water pump, so does anyone else know what kind of noise it makes when it's sick? Any other ideas what it might be?

Cheers

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 07-31-2003, 14:44

your best bet is to have the engine idling, get a large screwdriver and try to pin-point where the noise is coming from, you should hear it most on the passenger side of the timing cover if it is the chain. Hold it up against the water pump also, you will find out quick smart if it is the culprit.

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 07-31-2003, 14:45

your best bet is to have the engine idling, get a large screwdriver and try to pin-point where the noise is coming from, you should hear it most on the passenger side of the timing cover if it is the chain. Hold it up against the water pump also, you will find out quick smart if it is the culprit.

Also, remove the timing cover and see if you can lift the chain from the top sprocket at all. Also I would start by replacing the tensioner, it MAY solve the problem and if it doesnt, you would have to replace it anyway

biggaben · 07-31-2003, 20:19

timing chains; in my experience; are something that needs to be replaced ever 180000 - 200000, i did mine not so long ago and i lost alot of noises.

just a suggesting check ur PCV they make all types of strange sounds when they are blocked and stuffed.

cheers

ben

PS: 6-in-a-row did you ever do that article up on DIY timing chain??

mongrelEB · 07-31-2003, 20:24

Yeah use a screwdriver as a stethoscope. Why $550?
Veale sell timing chain kits (chain, guides, and tensioner) for $111, and it costs $50 to get the head faced and $50 for cracktesting.
Then Veale sell head bolts for $35 the set, and a head gasket will be $30 or so.
That's $276, coolant should bring it up to $300.

07-31-2003, 21:10

I'm getting the head fully rebuilt(acid dipped, valve seats regrinded, new valve seals, head shaved, etc etc etc) which will cost me around $200.

For the head bolts I wanna go genuine item, but I'll get the timing chain from repco. Oh yeah I'm gonna replace the harmonuc balancer as well, due to a little accident with the one in my car(revealed soon in the E-Series group

)

The sound is hard to locate, what I think i'll do is take the water pump/alternator belt off as well when the motor is cold and see if it still makes the noise. I guess it could be the tensioner, but I don't think they fail very easily from what i've seen(even if they pop out, they still work) Could have got locked into spot i guess though.

Will let you know how i go.

mongrelEB · 08-01-2003, 16:58

Good luck!

TIKFD6 · 08-01-2003, 18:53

[QUOTE=mongrelEB] it costs $50 to get the head faced and $50 for cracktesting.
QUOTE]

Whow, where do you get your heads done?
Mine cost $40 buck for a skim and cracktest.

mongrelEB · 08-03-2003, 03:53

$40 each or the pair?
I said $50 can get between $45 and $60 depending on where I go.
Is your guy a major chain who might have an outlet here? :)

TIKFD6 · 08-03-2003, 04:25

It was $40 together, not each.