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timing chain noise on startup

9

97vulcan

CEG'er
Joined
May 22, 2007
Messages
456
Location
Wisconsin
I was wondering, this seems to be a common problem with the 2.5. I have 135k on mine. Doesn't burn any oil, or use any for that matter. When I start it up, sometimes it makes a noise. Its kinda a high pitched noise for about 2 seconds. Does this problem get worse as the weather gets colder? I mean I live in Wisconsin, and the winters can be kinda chilly. I just don't want the noise or problem to get worse. Do I have anything to worry about?

Thanks,

Adam

PS: Does this sound like timing chain noise?
 
Timing chain noise sounds like a rattle, similar to if you let the front derailleur drag when shifting a bike.
 
You may be hearing the Moose. You may also be hearing the alternator recharging the battery immediately after start-up. You may be hearing a lot of things, including a slight bit of timing chain noise known as "DOHC Song".

A little more to your description may help us to try to help you.
 
Ok guys, I don't think its the moosing noise I am hearing. It dosen't happen all the time. Only happens if the cars been sitting over night or for a few hours. Depending on how long the car sits, is the length of the noise emitted. Its like a squeeling noise for a few seconds, then its fine. I'll try 2 record the sound.

Thanks
Adam
 
I would be looking at your main drive belt pulleys, the idler pulley and the belt tensioner pulley.

Take the belt off and see if there is bearing slop in either of those two pulleys. Less likely (and doesn't sound quite like it anyway) would be the alternator and even less likely would be the A/C clutch bearing or power steering pump.
 
Ok Jim. I need to replace the belt anyways. I'll check it out. That dosent sound like the timing chain then? I'll try to get another sound clip. One closer to the pullies.

Thanks,
Adam
 
Its kinda hard to tell but it almost sounds like the starter drive is making the noise. I guess your going to have to park at the top of a hill overnight and coast down and pop the clutch and see if it still makes the noise. Seriously though it sounds like the starter drive is releasing too slow or something. I suppose you could pull the starter and run it and see if that is whats making the noise.
 
Ok. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it! if anyone that has timing chain rattle could listen to this clip, and let me know if this is the same noise you hear, I would appreciate it. Like I said it doesnt make the noise all the time. Once the car's warmed up, I can start it, and it won't make any noise. Does this say anything? Only makes the shrill noise for a few seconds upon startup.


Adam
 
That doesn't sound like timing chain rattle. What happens to our engines is that when the hydraulic chain tensioners leak down overnight, you get some valve lash clatter for a moment on start up. It sounds like lifter clatter. That's not what I'm hearing here, but it is hard to tell on a sound clip.

The tensioners were redesigned after the early 95 models so this is less likely to happen on later models.
 
Big Jim, Thats good news to my ears. Maybe the previous owner had the timing chain and components taken care of :). I will get a sound clip from closer to the pulleys and timing chain.

Thanks,
Adam
 
Man, your starter spins a lot faster than mine does even after I put in a new battery. Anyway, I only heard an airplane and what may have been the starter drive hanging up for a half second but the rest was too hard to tell from that clip.
Karl
 
I don't think that is starter noise.

Have someone else start the car while you stand near the engine with a listening device (piece of hose or long screwdriver). Very carefully so you don't get something caught in moving machinery, get closer to the noise.

With a hose, hold one end to your ear and the other near the questionable part. With a long screwdriver, hold one end to your ear and the other on the questionable part. It should be obvious when you locate the problem.
 
do what?

do what?

FavoriteMystaque said:
Timing chain noise sounds like a rattle, similar to if you let the front derailleur drag when shifting a bike.
Click to expand...

ummmm what exactly is a front DERAILLEUR anyhow??:laugh:


other than an airplane i thought i heard your starter drive stickin also.. thats my .02 anyhow
 
Last edited:
Trikeman72 said:
ummmm what exactly is a front DERAILLEUR anyhow??:laugh:
Click to expand...

Its the thing that "knocks" your chain off one set of gear teeth to another.

fderail06D.jpg


As for the sound, wouldn't it have been easier just to see if a local mechanic would know what was causing it? :shrug:
 
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