Emergency? Help...

nigel911 · nigel911's Garage

Took the car to work today, during the last couple of minutes of the drive I noticed a new 'noise'. Not so much of a ticking as a consistent knocking - not loud but noticeable. Begins at around 2000+ rpm and gets louder with additional revs. I have heard tensioner failure described as 'dragging a chain over a metal trash can lid' - the noise is no where near this description but does seem to vibrate & feel like it could be chain related.

Could this be an imminent failure? I am 20 miles from home.

HELP

scottb · 02-18-2005, 01:11 PM

With that description, it could be many things. Does it only happen when the car's in motion, or does it also happen at a standstill when you rev the engine?

If it were me, I'd have the car flat-bedded to my local wrench. No sense taking unnecessary chances.

nigel911 · nigel911's Garage

Car seems fine until it reaches 2000rpm (ish), the noise does not seem as evident when the car is not moving. When driving it you can 'feel' the noise, hence the chain concerns, it is not particularly loud though.

Having searched the board I think it is time for a tow - better a few $$s now than too many $$$$s later.

One thread did mention the sound 'becomes evident at 1500-2000rpm', that pretty much seals the deal for me.

On the bright side, those hydraulic tensioners do make a good sound...

scottb · 02-18-2005, 02:00 PM

Could it be something in the suspension or drive train, or is it definitely engine-related?

bigrubberjeep · 02-18-2005, 02:01 PM

Tow! Not worth the risk to drive any further.

nigel911 · nigel911's Garage

I the last 2 years I have completely replaced the suspension, bushes, brake system etc. Never had any issues with the drivetrain, good as gold to date. Doesn't sound valve related, the noise is too 'vibey'.

Reckon it's the tensioners,

scottb · 02-18-2005, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nigel911
Reckon it's the tensioners,

Then, without question, flat-bed it to your wrench. Don't take any more chances.

MobileWrks · 02-18-2005, 04:46 PM

its sounds likes, can turn into i should of just!!!! dont risk it... tow it.

nigel911 · nigel911's Garage

I didn't take any chances, had the car towed a week ago - yep, it's the tensioners. Right hand tensioner had given way but not collapsed completely, the left was going that way also.

The mechanic (P-Car only guy) said it had the original 901 units in it - he hadn't seen a pair in over 10 years!

Carrera tensioners on the way in, his recommendation - good enough for me.

Moral of the story is not all tensioner failures are the 'chain across the trash can' type.

MobileWrks · 03-02-2005, 10:38 AM

Glad to hear all is okay !!!!!!! and you made a good call.....

Grady Clay · 03-02-2005, 12:17 PM

Be sure you replace the six chain ramps. If even the slightest piece of a ramp is missing, chase it down. It can be stuck between the chain sprocket and jackshaft gear. Check the sump also. There are the update idler sprocket parts that go with the later tensioners.

Good ear – wise choice.

Best,
Grady

nigel911 · nigel911's Garage

Oh dear.

Picked up the car this at 8.30 this morning, new carrera tensioners fitted. $1006 bucks all in including a couple of other minor bits.

15 minutes and 9 miles later, accompanied by various horrible metallic-type crunch/grind noises the engine gives up. A big dead car.

Back on a flat bed and back to the shop - still waiting to hear what happened and what the damage is.

Pi$$ed off - I should say so.

vash · vash's Garage

oiy vay!

ckissick · 03-04-2005, 12:18 PM

I was going to say that when my tensioner failed, the sound only occured at around 1000-1500 rpm's, then went away. So chain tensioner failure seems to give slightly different symptoms sometimes.

Then I read you latest post. Ouch! Grady's advice may not have been heeded. If the wrench is good guy but messed up somewhere, this may not cost you anything. Still, not good either way. I suppose you'll update us, so we can try to avoid the same fate.

gsxrken · gsxrken's Garage

I feel bad for you both. You obviously are looking at some down time after already spending a grand, and the wrench-assuming he is an honorable man- is about to kiss the minor profit he made on the original job goodbye as he eats an engine overhaul.

steven polaski · steven polaski's Garage

Had this happen with my 944, went to dealer new timing belt ten miles later boom ! I brought it back and they had the balls to say it was not related to the belt . I wonder what else bends all the valves !