91 KA Krackling/Static Noise coming from engine AND No Torque.....

[RatedR]

I've recently done a headgasket and timing chain kit on my wife's new engine. She's noticed that there's a static like/krackling noise coming from the car. I thought it was just the exhaust heat shield, but after further diagnostics I found that its coming from the front of the engine. I know the first few things to come up are the timing chain guides, but I didnt put them in when I did the timing chain, at least not the top one. I'm just basically asking for suggestions as to what to watch out for when I operate this Saturday. Here's the basics of the setup:

Twin Exhaust cams (the one on the intake side is from a single chain type).No upper timing chain guide. Might have a lower camshaft timing chain guide.

Also, I'm thinking its probably the fuel filter, but intermittently the car will have no power/torque whatsoever from 3000 all the way to 7000. (That high for us twin exhaust cam users). It also sounds like the clutchfan is always howling. Anyone ever come across this one?

Thanks folks~!

-R

[RatedR]

Asked around in school, teach' says the crackling's most likely a belt that needs tightening. The only thing I'm concerned about now is the loss in power.... any thoughts?

[RatedR]

Figured the noise was the other timing chain guide I didnt remove (side). I was wondering though, I've checked for fuel and air, and I've got new plugs and wires/dist. rotor and the works. Would it be possible that the sparkplugs would be too cheap of quality that its loosing power there?

[NateDogg]

elaborate on your single chain type exhaust cam.

[deviousKA]

elaborate on your single chain type exhaust cam.

Some ka24de have single upper chain, 240sx/frontier/altima I forget the year range that dicatates. The cams in these single chain models are also pinned differently if i recall.

RatedR, have you timed this engine with timing light yet? Is this crackling your hearing possibly detonation? Does it happen at all times including idle or only under some load?

[NateDogg]

Sounds like you're missing a ground wire or has a bad contact. Maybe even a bad CAS. There should be a ground on the intake manifold and a couple on the back of the head near the driver's side of the firewall.

[RatedR]

Dont know how an engine ground would affect the power intermittently, wouldn't it be more of a consistent problem if it were the ground?

I've replaced that CAT, teachers at my school suggested it. I've found a little more response from it, but still with the occasional powerloss. I've also repaired a hose that goes to the EGR, that might have been cause it to throw the code.

Just to recap, the car has great power, especially shifting from 1st to 2nd (chirps). When it looses power, its like youre going up a really steep incline. Any other suggestions/theories as to whats causing the powerloss?

[deviousKA]

If its doing it when your going up steep incline with lots of load, and your also hearing the "krackling", its detonation. Check your base timing and/or run some higher octane fuel.

[RatedR]

I'll try the higher octane, base timing is set at 20 degrees. I doubt it is detonation, sounds more like the timing chain. I also noticed that it comes on when the fan (waterpump) goes on. Dont know if that raises more red flags....

Thanks for the suggestions Devious (and other folks). Keep 'em coming, especially if you've had a similar problem.

PS - I forgot to state that I've removed the secondary butterflies (intake manifold). I'm curious if the lack of torque could be cause of that. The only thing is, everyone that's done so and reported loss of torque says its below 3500 rpm NOT above. My problem starts at around 3000 to 7000rpm.

[RatedR]

Tried the higher octane, still did it though. I was also told by my teacher that it could be my distributor. And finally, I noticed that the throttle cable isn't secure on the hoses near the firewall (brake booster). I know it doesnt matter, but I need to ask if that could be a possible problem?

[RatedR]

Just an update, replaced the clutch on the fan. Switched out the fuel pump to see if its a fuel pressure issue. So far the repairs I've done help only temporarily. So, now that I've replaced the fuel pump, I can comfortably remove the fuel as an issue (new fuel filter as well).

A car needs air/fuel/spark to run. I've got spark, there's definitely fuel, so that just leaves the air issue. When I start the car, its a lot cooler, the power stays current and consistent. When it sees a little heat, then it slows down like its starved for air or the throttle's stuck.

I'll try cleaning the MAF and the throttle body, anything else I can do? Should I look into the connections (MAF/TB)?

[Dmnitsadean]

i DUNNO IF I HAVE THE SAME SITUATION AS YOURS rATED well umm heres my story....okay I bought the car with no timing chains guides...replaced that and now my engine isn't jumping as it used to cause there was no guides....well the previous owner blew the head so he replaced the head gasket...that no torque that your specifying....i have the same problem...well on the same story....so i added the tensioners and than I replaced the clutch cause I was trying to figure out how come I can't go no were past 4000 rpm....this is my only consern now I cant jump my gears.....Previous owner keeps sayin he might of bent valves but further searching...bent valves they can't turn on car....so okay now I am really lost to wat I need to do next...so I replaced clutch now my clutch feels better dats bout it but no torque or I can say no power...I can only go bout 70 on fifth gear and like my car back downs lyke I have a govenor....dunno if it could me my timing/idol but my idol is set at 700.....its fine idol wise but i still see engine jumping a lil....okay wen I went to shop to change timing my checklight went on and now its still on and it seems like my gas consumption is eating alot i think its my timing....haven't replaced anything else yet....I do need lots of help cause i work on my car myself...wish i was still in Mechanics class so they can help me out a bit.....Does higher Octane help if my gas consumption sucks????...I really need to set my timing before I do tune up with NGK's well plz post I need help so WHat can I do for my torque and power....thanx DeAn

[Dmnitsadean]

well.....

[titanium240]

I'm sorry, you need to go back to school, little boy, and learn how to properly express your native language - that's English if you don't know.

You try reading that post and see what happens, your head begins to swim. Get it together and then some back, maybe you'll win some respect.