Clacking noises on the engine passenger side

[bazar01]

I noticed this morning when I drove for about 30 minutes. The noise was there even when cold and also when warmed up. It is quite loud.
I m going to put it on the li ft, drain the oil and open the pass side valve cover and peek inside the cam box.
Last valve adjust was 30k miles ago.

I've heard about rocker shaft walking and lash adjusters maybe.
Anything else to check?

[Jim Richards]

Maybe. Or a failed chain tensioner? I wouldn't keep running the engine with that noise.

[Jim Richards]

One more thought, does it make any noise when the engine is running while you car is standing still?

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

One more thought, does it make any noise when the engine is running while you car is standing still?

Yes, even while idling, there is a loud clacking noise. I'll see if I can record a sound clip.

I was thinking a loose lash adjuster jam nut.

[bazar01]

I went ahead and open the passenger side valve covers. All the rocker arm valve adjusters and lock nuts are all tight.
Even the head stud barrel nuts are in tact and nothing fell off.
I will go ahead and do a valve clearance check and adjust if necessary.
Anything else I should check that is the likely cause of the clacking noises?

[Jeff Burger]

hows your power steering fluid level ?

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by Jeff Burger

hows your power steering fluid level ?

I have not checked it. Thanks Jeff.

[efhughes3]

30k since last valve adjust? I don't know the 964 specs, that seems awfully long ago.

Short of any glaring issue, that would have been the first thing TO do, IMO. Then, if noise persists, post for help.

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by efhughes3

30k since last valve adjust? I don't know the 964 specs, that seems awfully long ago.

Short of any glaring issue, that would have been the first thing TO do, IMO. Then, if noise persists, post for help.

I know, it's long overdue, so I went ahead and did the valve clearance check. Cylinder #4 exhaust is too loose and intake too tight. I put it to spec at 0.004" traditional method.
All head studs still intact. No broken studs or falling off nuts.
st
I will go ahead and change the spaark plugs and change the oil.
If noise persists, I will open the chain box.

A few pics.
Spark plugs 123 upper


Rockers 123


Spark plugs 456 upper


Rockers 456

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

Maybe. Or a failed chain tensioner? I wouldn't keep running the engine with that noise.

How can the chain tensioner fail?
I did not see anything unusual in the camtower/rocker area that was loose.

[Bubbling well]

how old is your power steering belt? maybe stretched and banging inside?

[bazar01]

I changed it at about 30k miles when I addressed the pump cam shaft drive housing o-ring and seals oil leaks.

But I can check the power steering belt and pulleys while the car is on the lift.

Thanks.

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

Maybe. Or a failed chain tensioner? I wouldn't keep running the engine with that noise.

Do you know what can fail in the right side chain box that can clack?

[bazar01]

Put everything back together with new plugs, valve adjusted and fresh oil. Clacking is gone.
Thank goodness it was nothing major. I don;t have to open the chain boxes for a failed tensioner.