93 240sx - Ticking + Knocking noises

[evlzer0]

I have a 93 240sx with a KA24DE motor, all basically stock. When I got the car smogged the timing was set to 24-25deg, the smog tech said he would let it slide. No aftermarket parts other than a cone style intake.

Recently I had a ticking noise develop from under the valve cover near the front of the motor. I assumed that it was the guides going out on me like ive read so much about. Now, earlier today after my car spun out unintentionally (lame bald tires) and I started the car up again, I noticed a knocking sound as well. The knock only occurs at about 1500rpm and above. The noise also seems like it is coming from around Cylinder 2 but i cant be sure. I immediately drove the car home and let it cool down. I checked my oil and noticed that it was extremely low. There are no leaks under the car and it is not burning oil, at least not noticably. I refilled my oil until it was at an acceptable level and then started the car again and let it idle and recirculate oil. The noise was still there but not nearly as bad as it originally was. My check engine light is not on also. I have had the car for about 3 months now. Both noises increase with rpms. Do I have a rattling guide and rod knock or just one or the other. If its rod knock wouldnt my check engine light be on? I plan on taking the car to a local shop in the morning, but id like to get any kind of help in figuring out what the problem could be. Thanks.
Modified by evlzer0 at 10:41 AM 10/12/2006

[rogoman]

Since the oil level was extremely low, there's a good chance engine damage was done. NEVER, NEVER rely on the oil idiot light for determining the amount of oil left in the pan. There's been many cases where the pan was bone dry and the oil light never came on.

[rogoman]

Do I have a rattling guide and rod knock or just one or the other. If its rod knock wouldnt my check engine light be on?

Rod/main bearing damage doesn't have an ECU fault code.

If you've got a rod knock, here's how to find it. Unplug one spark plug at a time; when the knocking goes away, that's your bad cylinder.

[evlzer0]

I checked the oil level not even a few weeks ago, all was fine with it. I genereally check my oil once a month out of habit, at least.

I pulled each spark plug one after the other and the knock was still there. Though im fairly positive its coming from Cylinder 2.

I took the car to a local mechanic and he pulled the timing chain guide as well as a few small pieces that had broken off and fallen in. The ticking from the guide is gone, but I still have the knock. I dont have the time or money to tear the engine down and find out whats wrong and fix it. I drive about 30miles to work and then back 6 days a week, this car wont last. This is my second 240sx, Im starting to think that its just not for me right now.

[evlzer0]

Seems my oil pump went to crap. There is oil sprayed all over my enigne bay my belts are soaked. Most of the oil seems to be from around the oil pump so im just taking a shot guessing that that is the problem. Car starts but will immediately stall if i dont get on the gas. Im guessing the damage is done and this engine is pretty much finished.

[180fan]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

[rogoman]

Seems my oil pump went to crap. There is oil sprayed all over my enigne bay my belts are soaked. Most of the oil seems to be from around the oil pump so im just taking a shot guessing that that is the problem. Car starts but will immediately stall if i dont get on the gas. Im guessing the damage is done and this engine is pretty much finished.

Your timing cover most likey has a hole in it that was probably caused by the timing chain guide disintegration; you're probably going to have to get another one.

[evlzer0]

Thanks for all the help but i think its best if i just try and sell whats left to someone thats looking to do a swap or some serious work on the engine.