Maybe it was the cam magnet stuck to the block? Naaa that couldnt be?

Tore it apart tonite after work, just to see what I need to get from the parts house tomorrow. I think I will take the high road and go with a new chain and sprockets, as well as a cam magnet LOL. Thrust surface inside the cover looked good, maybe a new button for the cam sprocket will be on that list. Balance shaft gears looked OK. I will check the oil pump clearances tomorrow. Anything else I shouldnt forget?

Its running again. I finished up tonite after work, Mrs Crzydmnd helping. You'd think she is eager to drive it again, its only been 3 days LOL. New chain and sprockets, button was like new, new magnet, all the gaskets of course and cleaned about 3 lbs of crap outta the pan, screen and the oil passages in the timing cover. Started it up and had a rapping, knocking sound that really shot me thru the heart, until I started poking around and realized I didnt have the balancer tight enough. Tightened up as much as I could until my brother gets free to help me hold the flywheel while I WRENCH that baby down. Still, its nice to have it on all 4 wheels moving around again!

Well you shouldn't have to really "wrench " it down. Mine started making noise and it ended up that the harmonic balancer needed to be changed.

Try this:

with the belt on, try and move the belt and take a look at the balancer. If you can move the belt and the outer part of the tensioner moves but the inside part that is bolted stays put, then the rubber in the middle of it is finished and you need a new one.

Hope that helps.

Hi Mike! hows things going?

Yeah I replaced the balancer once a couple of years ago for that problem, the rubber on this one is kinda dried out but still intact, checked it and its still holding together. When I tightned the balancer the noise went away and its running pretty smooth for a higher mileage engine. I would just feel better if it was a LITTLE tighter.