Timing chain guides... Immediate guidance needed! PLEASE?!

[Aussie-Q'er]

My Q45 has a rattle in the engine... Timing chain guides? It rattles at startup after sitting for a little while and rattles at about 3500 revs... Should I stop driving it immediately and drive my other car while I order parts in (Ex USA)? Also can I just replace the guides as shown on Q45.org or do I have to replace the chains as well?I don't want to end up paying alot more for parts to fix the heads etc just because I ignored a rattle which is concerning my greatly due to the failure rate of the guides.Another thing, where am I to buy the guides, they sell them on eBay as a chain and guide kit... But, as we all know, it is eBay...Screaming for help in the land down under!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...7wt_0

[maxnix]

Guides only, along with tensioners and oil pump chain.

Don't start until you confirm!

Read the article.

[mxr662]

What year is your car and how many miles? 94 and up don't need the guides replaced.

Someone else had a thread about that ebay set. But I can't find it.

I would do the guides, oil pump chain, and tensioners and leave the chains alone unless you have real high miles. I did the water pump also and that was easy while all was apart.

[Aussie-Q'er]

1990 (89 Build) with 108,000 km (65,000ish miles). I now have a feeling it's just a lifter 'tapping' (I'm going to do an oil flush and change next week to see if that solves the tap) but I'm not going to take any chances and will do the recall/mod for sure.

[Infinitiguy19]

How is the gas over there? Any E10?

I think it might be an injector unless it stops when warmed up.

[Drake57]

I would definitely inspect the guides, necessary to remove main lower timing cover. If the lower timing cover shows the OEM light blue rtv, then guide service probably has not been done. I think an individual lifter rattle is unlikely, except immediately after starting, before oil pressure is fully up. When first started, my 92 rattles like crazy for a half second, if engine has not been started for more than a few days.

The price of the timing chain kit is a bargain, provided that all parts meet/exceed OEM spec - one guide alone is $50.00 or more from OEM sources. I just ordered the slack side guide from my local $tealer, $113 US including tax.

I think all guides may be replaced by removing main timing cover. If you want to replace the chains I think it's necessary to remove upper timing covers as well, which would necessitate removing valve covers. I removed driverside upper timing cover chasing an oil leak, then noticed part of the plastic on slack side chain guide was broken. I did replace passenger side slack side guide. I'm still waiting on parts, see this thread if you are interested: zer...-slow

If you do find disintegrating plastic guides, it is recommended to drop oil pan to remove plastic fragments.

One of your difficulties will be loosening the bolt that retains the harmonic balancer and pulleys, especially if it is torqued to OEM spec 270 ft-lb. I fashioned a strap wrench to hold the pulley, I'll try to get you a picture.Lastly, be very careful not to damage head gasket extensions which seal upper timing covers to lower main timing cover, when reinstalling main cover. It is easy to do (ask me how I know).

[Aussie-Q'er]

How is the gas over there? Any E10?

I think it might be an injector unless it stops when warmed up.

There is E10 but I've never even let myself think of using the SH*T! I never and will never use anything less than 98 octane ('Non ethanol') in any of my cars.It does stop after idling for a second or two, as a matter of fact it isn't doing it at startup (At the moment) It however does still rattle at around 3,000 rpm plus. Doesn't rattle a hell of alot but enough to warrant investigation. Originally I thought it might've been oil starvation which is still a possibility if the guide peices are blocking the pickup. Nevertheless, I'm going to order a new sump gasket (I've heard they're just RTV, no gasket?), new timing cover front seal and full set of guides/oil pump chain/tensioners etc. Money isn't an problem as I'd rather buy quality even if it means at an extra price. I don't want to skimp out on inferior quality parts, do it right the first time, do it right once. I'm going to carry out a full service as soon as I've replaced the guides/sump etc and take oil samples for analysis so I can keep an eye on her.After all of this, if it still rattles... I'll look towards having my injectors sonic cleaned.

Thanks a great deal guys, your advice is always helpful!

Oh, ppastos... you're the one with the dimmer switch for the Q hey? If so I'll be in contact next week.
Modified by Aussie-Q'er at 2:19 PM 12/12/2008

[q_kotxq45]

hi i have 91 q45 and it has 151000 miles. and i think my timing guide is broken cause i can hear it. i shop around how my is going to cause me and i dont think i can afford it. one guy wants 800.00 for just a labor just to change the timing guide and the other is 1300. and i found this forum and by reading this one its make me want to do it my self. it sounds like just open that front cover and wheres the timing chain are i will be able to see and change the guide there right. do you think you can post a pictures how u done it... and how hard is it to change these guide? thanks....

[Trumpkin]

hi i have 91 q45 and it has 151000 miles. and i think my timing guide is broken cause i can hear it. i shop around how my is going to cause me and i dont think i can afford it. one guy wants 800.00 for just a labor just to change the timing guide and the other is 1300. and i found this forum and by reading this one its make me want to do it my self. it sounds like just open that front cover and wheres the timing chain are i will be able to see and change the guide there right. do you think you can post a pictures how u done it... and how hard is it to change these guide? thanks....

There are many threads on this. Please do a search. Or check out Q45.org.Depending on your ability, you may be able to do yourself.

[maxnix]

Depending on your ability, you may be able to do yourself.

If you ar emeticulous, can understand the FSM and every post on the subject here.

One oversight and your engine will be toast. Assuming that it not already is.