rattling from front of motor

[Touchdown038]

Ok, I wasn't gonna post anything about this but I have to make a trip home (6 hours) soon so I need to make sure it's ok. My motor is making a rattling sound when the revs are in between ~2100 and 2700. It kinda sounds like the timing chain rattling, but it's not rattling when I start so I don't think that could be it.

Timing is good (15 deg BTDC), spark and fuel are good, idle is dead solid at 750 when warm. So... any ideas? Noisy valves?

[NISTECH]

maybe water pump, A/C compressor, P/S pump or A/C idler pulley?

[Touchdown038]

Brand new water pump (from Schucks though), don't have an A/C compressor or idler, might be the P/S pump though, it does have a small leak around where the hose connects to the reservoir...

[NISTECH]

use a long screw driver to listen to different areas around where the noise is heard and see if you can pinpoint its exact location. you place the metal part of the screw driver on the surface where you want to listen and place your ear against the plastic handle. unless you have an engine stethascope. then just use that much more accurate tool.

[Touchdown038]

Alright, for the past week I've been doing screwdriver thing on different parts of the motor, and have still been unable to find the source of the noise. I didn't listen to the lower part of the motor, however, and most of the front cover was left untested due to the fan getting in the way.

I also pulled the valve cover and checked the tensioner, which was still bolted in firmly and pushing hard against the chain, which would lead me to believe it's not the tensioner or chain. However, the chain has started rattling at startup while the oil light is still on (for around 2 seconds) so I'm fearing the worst. Anyone got any other ideas?

[Touchdown038]

I think I'm just gonna take it to the dealer (wherever it is around here) and just pay for an hour of diagnostic time. I'm sick of it, and $60 or however much an hour is is definitely worth the headache that might come later.

[ogmike80]

My car 89 240 is doing exactly the same thing. Did you find out what it was?

[p00t]

if its more of a metal buzzing noise then its most likely one of the heat shields. have someone rev the car and use a screw driver/wood dowel to push against various shields to see if the buzzing stops. Start from the exhaust manifold and work your way down the exhaust. As they rust they get looser.

noise associated with the chain is a "marbles in a can" type sound