ticking sound coming from engine

[mys13240]

ive got a 90 240sx and it has around 120k on it. it started making a ticking noise under throttle around 2k rpm. It sounds like it is coming from the front top of the engine. a guy that works for toyota said it was the water pump. i changed it and has the same noise. I thought it was the timing chain assembly. I just tore the enigne down to the timing chain and it checks out fine. anybody have any suggestions or have delt with this problem?

[420_240sx]

timing chain tensioner guide is the most common from what i read

[AelSic]

My experience with the KA(3) always pointed to the timing chain tensioners. A friend of mine told me if you remove the top guide it will fix the problem temporarily, but I would advise against it. Any other takers on an answer?

[benemorius]

Do a search for "ka timing chain" or something and you will discover one of the ka's dirty secrets.

Don't forget though - It could be as simple as low oil causing the lifters to tap. The timing chain rattle and valve tap are two very different noises, but when described with words they often come out the same. Do yourself a favor and check your oil first.

[95nismo240]

it could also just be the injectior solenoids ticking. check ur oil and if it is still ticking its most likely ur injectors

[240sx2nr]

it could also just be the injectior solenoids ticking. check ur oil and if it is still ticking its most likely ur injectors

it can be your timing chain covers... take the top one off... if there is still ticking... then it could be your lower ones... i was told that there was a recall on these... prolly not ur injectors...

[benemorius]

One thing that should be clear is that there is a significant difference between the rattling of a timing chain and other various tapping noises. The chain will make a very distinct rattling sound, whereas the lifters or injectors will make a very distinct tapping sound. And if it is a tapping noise, and it is not low oil affecting the lifters, then it is actually likely to be the injectors. Ka injectors are relatively noisy - this is normal.

[smokin240]

or it could be just bad lifters

[mys13240]

i got it back together now. that distributor was hard to get back in just right since it goes off that oil pump rod. anyways, my guides and tensioners are all good. it still makes the ticking sound, but it is louder now, and it gets faster the more rpms i go. it doesnt start till around 2k though. my neighbor, a mechanic, says it is probably a rod bearing or wristpin.

[dburch]

i would say it is the timing chain tensioner, i had the exact problem with my '89.

[FliMSiCaL]

well, most of this depends on weather this is the sohc or dohc engine here, if i am not mistaken, 1990's had both at one point in time or another. on the sohc, the only thing that removing the guide will do is hasten your chain's work at putting a hole in the timing cover (mine finally broke through, over the water pump) if its the de, one of the guides can be removed safely. I can't tell you which one, as all of my experience is on sohc motor.

[ians-ka]

don't know if it's the same problem, but mine ticks under idle. there's a small plate attached to the inside of the valve cover. right above the top of the timing chain, i think it's a "warning device" to let you know your timing chain is stretched or your guides are worn, like brake squealers, only not as annoying.

[TogueDrifter]

If you say you hear a ticking sound, it sounds like the rockers need to be adjusted. Since you already tore apart your engine and put it back together I asumed you adjusted them back to spec. If you havn't then that may be your problem. Asuming it's the SOHC. Other than that it may be a valve hitting which can be really severe if It were to fail. I woulding drive it at all if you can help it.

[benemorius]

They can't be adjusted on a ka.

[TogueDrifter]

Really??? hmm, I wouldn't know, I havn't pulled one off a SOHC before, I asumed all rocker arm engines, can bee adjusted. Y is it that it can't be adjusted?

[benemorius]

They use automatic hydraulic adjusters.

[smokin240]

You guys need to seriously get that checked out. If your lifters are bad the harder you drive and longer you drive the car it gets worse, FAST. If you don't get this problem fixed, and its your wrist pins, rods, bearings, that **** will throw loose and you get whats called a thrown rod which will explode a hole in the bottom of your engine if not taken care of. Trust me on this don't let this go and make sure you get this checked if its not your timing chain. zerothread?id=103521