timing chain tick of death (repeat with a twist)

[240Knightrider]

As im sure everyone has heard of the timing chain noise. Mine started to make some noise so I took up my valve cover they were still pretty tight and didnt see a problem. This was before I knew about the guides and such. (yes im a newbie)

It made the noise for about a month and a half and now its gone. still makes the ticking noise which i believe to be the valves sticking. But the noise from the chain is gone. Could this be because the guides broke off. I have noticed a horsepower loss since then. Every now and then the power will come back.

[spoolthis]

Hey there. I'm new to the 240 myself, but over the last few weekends I just did a timing chain R&R on my sohc. It's a pretty big job, but I got 'er done.

The noise going away seems odd, but it seems like the guide breaking off could change the sound but not make it go away completely.

Wishful thinking, but I think you may end up needing to do the chain/tensioner/guides. The lifters clattering may be a sign of low oil pressure, just above the light's threshold maybe. After I got mine back together there was one lifter that took quite while to bleed itself out. It's good now even cold.

My rig only has 114k on it and I found big chunks of the guide in the pan and shredded bits matted all over the pickup screen.

I should probably change my oil again soon to make sure the rest of it's out of the system.

Anyway, good luck with it. I've rambled too much.

[240Knightrider]

Hmmm, I have 220K miles on mine. Ive been listening to the engine and I do think I can still hear the noise but its not as distinct.

As for my oil pressure I thought it might be good cause ol' bright me took the valve cover off and started the engine. Haha, oil all over right side engine compartment, over my tools and even on my sisters Lancer she used to have.

[240slider]

if your timing guide broke any of them that chain is grinding into the front cover trust me I just bought a 240 from a previous neglegent owner .when I replaced the guides I noticed on the inside the front cover was grinded down near the back of the water pump housing and near the galerie where the oil pump and distributor gear meet .if it's grinding the cover when you do your oil change look at the oil for metal shavings which are very tiny if so when you replace the timing chain guides etc drop the oil pan and clean it because mine was filled with the tiny metal shavings

[240Knightrider]

I think that just started to happen 3 days ago and now I think its really bad. Scared to open Valve cover . Its making a noise like metal is hitting some other metal object thats moving really fast. hope that makes sense.

[spoolthis]

240slider's right. Sounds like the chain is hitting the front cover. Given enough time it'll chew through to the water passage behind.

Mine was ground down some, but no holes or anything that looked close. When the guide is gone and the tensioner isn't working that thing is slapping around all over the place in there.

[240slider]

As hard as this might be DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL YOU FIX IT.. you will only continue to do more damage .which will tear your pocket up ..because that chain can also jump timing if it slips off the guides completely .which is was happened in my case when I bought my 240 .because the person lied to me. telling me the car was in good condition

[240Knightrider]

aaauuuuh Now that is scary. Only bad thing is I cant rent a rent a car and I have to drive my car and its getting louder and on lower RPS. . I have another month and Im getting a KA for $200 from a friend to last me until I buy one with only 30k. His has 130K on it but I just wanna buy a newer one if I do anything to it. Just a mental thing I guess.

Thanks for everyones help. How lond do you thing until it makes a hold. Im guessing its sparking in my engine (metal on metal) is there any chance of ignition. I know heat source and air =fire.

[240Knightrider]

jeeze just read my post bad spelling lemmie try that again.

Thanks for everyones help. How long do you think until it makes a hole.

Thanks again everyone.

[240Knightrider]

WOOHOO I think I figured out what it was, I figured I would go look at my engine today and I saw a big thin bolt just sticking out and it is one of the bolts for the alternator, I am hoping thats what it is. Ill find out tonight and keep you guys posted. Thanks