Hello all, I have a 97 Skylark with the 2.4 L engine 4 cly that has some engine noise. has around 150,000 miles on it. I have had it for about 50,000 bout it used. has been running great no problems and smooth as can be. water pump was starting to leak less then 9000 miles ago and had a friend of a friend do replacement on it. was coming home form work one day was getting a misfire sound form the engine then starting to make a load sound. drove it home about 2 miles then parked it. I'm going to pull the timing chain cover and take a look and see what it looks like in there. Below is a link to a video so you can hear what i sounds like. tell me what you think it could be.

Video link - http://vid1083.photobucket.com/album...pso32pvyjn.mp4

Thanks

skylark 97

My guess is top end motor internals. I would pull the valve cover off and see what it looks like in there. Something like a cam lobe, or a valve.

Thanks for your input Randall I might be looking into that in the coming days. I did pull the timing chain cover and did a video for my brother Dan he’* a mechanic and trying to get a little input from him also. This engine is new to me have no clue yet what I’m looking at just yet but warming up to it. The cam sprockets look worn to me and the chain looks really lose for only having less than 9000 miles on them. Maybe someone out there can tell me something. After I stake the cam sprockets and timing ill pull the chain and spin the water pump and see if that makes any sounds.
Video - http://vid1083.photobucket.com/album...psc6yxoncl.mp4

Thanks

Brian

No, there should be no slack in the chain there......

However, that slack could be caused by backing off the crank bolt in the opposite direction....

Since a w/p was replaced 9K ago, I doubt the w/p is making noise.......and if the engine wasn't timed right, or the tensioner was no good at the time, it would have made a noise or had a rough idle, right away.....

What you will have to do is rotate the engine to the timed position with the cams.....then check the timing mark of the crank sprocket with the mark on the block behind it, and the alignment of the colored links on the chain....

If it is in time, and you don't see slack in the chain between the intake cam and the crank sprocket(as you rotate it), your problem is elsewhere.....

If the marks are off, or you are seeing slack in the chain as you rotate, could have a bad tensioner, that could cause it to jump time or cause chain slap....

Hello Tech.
You where right about the slack caused by backing off the crank bolt in the opposite direction. I did turn the engine over and lined up the timing marks and also the chain to have about the same tension on each side of the block but still seems not tight enough for me but I guess when the engine is running the tensioner fill ‘* with oil pressure and adds to the tension?
I did not work on it very long tonight had a long day but I did take some photos and I wanted you to take a close look at them. The chain does not seem to be to be setting right in the sprockets. And looks to me like the sprockets are wearing a little funny. Keep in mind that the chain is a lot tighter then the video you saw before I lined up the timing. The chain seems to be that it does not quite match the sprockets. Also I’m not sure but does the tensioner seem to be out more than it needs to be? im not really sure. Let me know what you think and thanks for your help
Photos link - Timing Chain Photos Slideshow by Skylark97 | Photobucket

Thanks
Skylark 97

Wow, that intake sprocket is bad......the metal worn away, by that bolt, is a real indication of a sloppy chain.......

You are at the point where, you need two cam sprockets, crank sprocket, new chain, new tensioner and shoe, and check those plastic guides for wear.......

Metal has been wearing off those sprockets, and makes me wonder if the metal has washed down into the oil....filter should catch it, but who knows?

Special procedure for putting that chain on......

Great thanks Tech, I’m really glad that you see that too. For a while I was thinking I’m crazy no reply’* on this from any one. I have heard nightmares about using aftermarket parts on this engine and if you’re not using GM parts for the timing parts it’* not going to last long. Does anyone have any input on this? Also do I need to worry about the water pump sprocket? I'm going to redo everything that has to do with timing chain sprockets and guides but I’m not sure about the water pump just yet. Also the bolts for the timing chain look like they are toasted does anyone know where can I find new ones? And Tech you where saying something about Special procedure for putting that chain on, do you know where I can find that info?

Thanks

Skylark97

You can go to your local library, to a GM shop(pay a slight fee for copies of procedure), or subscribe to something like AllData....

As for the sprocket on the water pump, I forgot about that....you will have to look for wear marks in that sprocket......

I forgot to mention, whenever replacing a timing chain, it'* best to have the engine in the timed position(top dead center).....

Also, YouTube videos are helpful....

Great thanks, I just sine up with AllData and what about buying parts? should they be GM parts and stay away form aftermarket or is there a good aftermarket place that sells good quality parts?

Thanks again

Skylark97