Loud tapping from ka getting worse FAST

[smokin240]

I know its coming from the front of the engine. A mechanic guessed lifters but he wasn't sure. I don't have low oil and theres no way that the timing chain can be that loud. Then again, I dont know what a loose chain sounds like. Ever since a couple days ago its been so loud its embarassing when I pull up next to other cars or pass them. Im hoping there thinking that its a sweet performance mod not an engine about to blow up because thats what it sounds like. I can tell a difference in power too, it's slightly slower than it use to be. Sounds sort of like the pistons are wobbeling inside the block or something im not sure. I dont want this to get so bad that it ruins my engine, im driving it soft until I get this fixed. What should I do guys? I'll try to post a the crappy vid I made with my phone that has sound. Though it wouldn't help much because the sound is so low quality i'll see if I can get it up here.

Should I take off the valve cover, maybe I can eyeball it and notice something? By the way its a KA24DE.


Modified by smokin240 at 2:11 PM 2/17/2005

[silvia200zx]

Pull your valve cover. I'd be willing to bet your top chain guide broke and is laying on your timing chain. Mine did that a while back. Dealers say it happens all the time, they even tell you to take it off and leave it, that you don't need it anyway. Try putting your fingers on front of valve cover while running to see if you can feel anything vibrating, or knocking around.

[smokin240]

its even louder now, the harder I drive it the louder it permanantly gets. I'll take it off asap and let you know whats up, appreciate the help

[ferreed]

Have you checked your front pulley/dampener? I don't know if those fail on Nissan's, but when mine failed on my truck's 351 it milled a slot through the timing cover. On every rotation the outer barrel of the dampener was striking the timing cover to make a loud knock. Scared the heck out of me, but only took a $60 dampener and a pack of JB Weld to repair.

You might also consider putting a mechanical oil pressure gauge on to make sure you really do have oil pressure. When you turn the key to the run position (but don't turn all the way to start) does your check engine and oil light come on? If not, the bulb may be out. Doesn't sound like you have an oil pressure problem, but its better safe than sorry.

Good luck!

[smokin240]

The engine light does come on when I first turn the car on so thats ok. I dont have a gauge to check the oil pressure either. If I cant find anything when I take the valve cover off, should I just take it to the mechanic to save time and possibly money if I have to go out and buy all these tools to test different things? Thanks for the help

[mouse]

all CEL's go on when you first start the car. I have the same problem, I did the oil change and it helped for a little while. I think mine is the lifter, but it could be the guide. If you take it to a mechanic, know the guy, if its an engine problem they will soke you if they can. Its terrible but its true. Im going to VA on the 25th I'll look at it

[smokin240]

Well it finally went, the tapping turned into rattleling and it sounds like the piston rod has now broken free of the piston and its no longer drivable. It's so loud its not even describable. It wont even idle now either. Im going to take off the valve cover and eyeball it. Its stuck at work for now, if it's still screwed up and not at the junkyard by the time you get here, feel free to look at it I don't know many mechanics that are good with imports, if any.

[Neil]

Rod bearing!

DO NOT try to run your car anymore! Get it to a mechanic and hope you didnt damage the crankshaft. Also, don't remove the valve cover and try to run it. thatd just be really messy and wouldnt tell you anything.

Any mechanic worth his weight in salt isnt any better at working on domestics than he is at working on a foreign motor. so long as hes got the right tools, half a brain and torque specs there's nothing that would matter unless he's a prejudiced biggot and is making excuses because doesnt want to work on it.

Anyway. the same thing is happening to my '92 coupe on Cyl 1 at 140,000 miles. it started 2 weeks ago and its getting pretty bad... I know its #1 cyl rod bearing cuz, well, i recognize the sound and symptoms... I know its Cyl 1 cuz if I rev it to make the noise and remove #1 spark plug wire, the noise stops.

$40 for new rod bearings5 hours max of work.

[smokin240]

god i wish i knew that before i started it up, now im going to go od on advil. im not, but i feel like it..... i blew the engine.... im sure you read the post http://www.nicoclub.com/zeroforum?id=130 . I knew i shouldnt have started it...

edit: i was kidding about that advil thing...
Modified by smokin240 at 4:42 PM 5/2/2005