Engine Knock Vs. Timing Belt Tensioner

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...t=10722&page=3

A HUGE THANK YOU TO COWBOYERIK!!!!!!!!!!

I've been in a VX depression ever since I heard that darned knocking sound in the motor. I even warned my wife about the "potential" of the motor going kaput long ago. After reading CowboyErik's post, I felt I had hope still. Sure enough! I pulled off the passenger side timing belt cover enough to push on the belt. Without any trouble at all I was able to deflect it by almost an INCH! So, after about 45 minutes I had the front end torn apart and found that the timing belt tensioner went bad!!! I can plunge the piston with my hands with ease, and there is oil leakage around the "pushrod" base. (see pics).
SO, IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE ROD KNOCK/ENGINE FAILURE, CHECK THIS BEFORE SENTENCING YOUR VX MOTOR TO DEATH!!!!
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...tensioner1.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...tensioner2.jpg

This is good info., I've heard of this on the 3.2(mostly sohc?, not sure), but this is the first I've seen of it on the 3.5.:_wrench:
Thanks to Cowboy Eric & Silver Bullet 75.:thumbup:

WOW! So this could be my number 1 cylinder Knock! I have been bracing myself for several months now for the engine to DIE.

If you take the timing belt covers off, you should be able to deflect the timing belt pretty easily by hand. If this is the issue, you just saved $k's!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ebenezr

WOW! So this could be my number 1 cylinder Knock! I have been bracing myself for several months now for the engine to DIE.

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Ebenezr ... I have a knock that appears to be on number 1 cylinder too.
Did you check your Tensioner? If so, what did you find?

Thanks

Carl

On the 3.2Ls, a diagnostic for the timing belt tensioner is if the knock goes away at higher rpm, above 2000-2500 rpm. But it can definitely sound like a death rattle, when my tensioner went out at Moab, everybody who heard the motor looked like they were at a funeral. But instead it was a $65 part.

I can't get to it. Prying the cover back I can't do. When I put a stethascope on it the tap is loudest coming from the timing cover top bolt which enters right into the no. 1 area in the head. It will have to be torn apart to check but for the engine runs great. I am going to rev the engine today like BigSwede said and see if it disappears.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ebenezr

I can't get to it. Prying the cover back I can't do. When I put a stethascope on it the tap is loudest coming from the timing cover top bolt which enters right into the no. 1 area in the head. It will have to be torn apart to check but for the engine runs great. I am going to rev the engine today like BigSwede said and see if it disappears.

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My engine tapping goes away above 2500 rpms too and the engine runs great.
I need to open the timing covers and take a look see too.

Carl