Help with engine clatter
 

My 87 Carrera started having a clatter at mild load between 2800-3500, this caltter did not vary with rpm and was at a frequency of the cold idle lope that I also have. It then sudddenly turned into a a very bad pinging at any RPM. (I limped the car home at below 2000 rpm and at time it would sound like a cummins diesel). My plan currently is to pull the valve covers off and have look. I thought the sound was coming from the drivers side, but when I opened the deck lid it was not as direct as from the drivers seat. Oil pressure is OK, no loss of oil or burning, engine has 100000 miles. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Arnie
:confused:

chain tensioner?

Did it sound like pulling a chain out of a metal garbage can? If so, then its a dead chain tensioner. Probably the case.

If you don't find anything when you pull the cam covers, you should pull the muffler and remove the chain housing covers to inspect the chain tensioners. Even the pressure fed tensioners can go bad, though far less common.

I had a failure in thechain tensioner world....it sounded like an extension ladder collapsing. The it stopped running. Something to do with six bent valves. Be very careful.

Ignition settings?

Broken head stud!
Pull the valve covers.

Thanks to all, I hope it is just something simple. I'll pull the cam covers tomorrow and go from there.

Thanks again,

Arnie

I'll keep all informed

Pulled valve covers and did a quick check of the valve adjust, didn't have the proper gap gauge, but only #2 felt a bit loose than the rest. Nothing obvious was broken. Pulled the left timing chain cover, all was fine, couldn't get the right cover off, oil coller line interference. Is there an easy way of getting this off? Any other sugestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Arnie

Did you ever get this resolved? I have a 72 911e, but the car I am having very similar problem with is a 90 VW GLI 16V.

Yo me it sounds like definitie detonation but even off load like reving it up in N ut won't do it for a minute tilll it warms up.

I can't even drive it to unload/fix it at the shop!

Cliff

Cliff,

Yes I finally resolved the issue. It was a spun bearing and broken crank. (rebuilt the motor with the help of Wanye's book and Walt Watson) I'm not sure if yours is the same. I would drain the oil and look for particles in the oil to see if it is a bad bearing.

Good luck,

Arnie

I had the same scenario, spun rod bearing no3 which seems to be the first to go if there are any oiling issues. Rebuild is almost complete.

Thanks guys...I'll check the oil this weekend, I thought it was too severe for pinging, I mena the thing won't even run in 1st.

Thanks,
Cliff