Motor noise

[sinnistar73]

Good evening....While motor is running at idle, I have noticed a slight grinding rattle like noise coming from the lower part of the motor (almost like it is coming from the tention pully, but not). Car is a 1998 240, motor is stock 2.4, and maintained to perfection 99% of the time and has just over 110000. I have read a few posts on other sites that mention 'timing chain issue'. I was wondering what the difference is between a water pump going bad, or actual timing chain going bad. This noise I mentioned above is not consistant.

Any replys would be greatly appreciated....

[180fan]

I got my money on part of your chain guides down in below towards the sprocket of your crank that's getting rattled around.

[rogoman]

A good way to isolate your noise is to remove all the front belts; this will eliminate any noise coming from the external accessories during your diagnosis.