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Grinding noise coming from inside the engine

R

R-code

CEG'er
Joined
Aug 21, 2007
Messages
469
Car is a stock '98 SVT.

I'm getting a loud grinding noise in the rear valve cover and the back side of the timing cover. I'm tracing the noise using the screwdriver stethoscope method and it is most concentrated under the valve cover on the sprocket of the intake cam, it's also very audible when I press the screwdriver to the idler pulley retaining bolt. At first I thought it was the pulley, so I replaced it. While the pulley was coincidentally bad, replacing it did not fix the noise. Next I wanted to eliminate the rest of the pulley system so I removed the belt and ran the engine for about 30 seconds. Noise didn't go away. The noise stops the second I apply throttle. Engine still runs/idles smooth.

Thoughts?

~Mike~
 
You could pop off the rear valve cover to see if their is any excess cam wear. Also, dropping the oil pan to look for metal shavings, filings, dust, etc.
 
SHOgoFast said:
You could pop off the rear valve cover to see if their is any excess cam wear. Also, dropping the oil pan to look for metal shavings, filings, dust, etc.
Click to expand...

That's probably the next logical course of action, I just want to know if there are any common failures that I should look for.

~Mike~
 
Tensioner was shot, noise was coming from the chain slapping against the guide between the crank and the intake cam, going to replace both rensioners and all four guides just to be sure it doesn't happen again.

~Mike~
 
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