engine tapping ...oh no

[CowboyErik]

Hey! I listened to your video; and your VX sounds just like mine started to sound a few weeks ago! My timing belt tensioner had totally failed! The tensioner cylinder is hydralicaly loaded and provided pressure to the belt; I put a new one in 11 months ago when I did a timing belt job; and the NEW tensioner failed completely! I'm amazed the timing belt didn't jump! Terrible sounds, I thought all the things listed in this post, EGR or intake manifold clogged, PCV valve clogged, valves going out of adjustment, but the clue in your post is that you were convinced the sound came from your drivers side camshaft; well, that is the one that would make the loudest noise because it's out of sync with the other came, and it sounded TERRIBLE! Replaced the waterpump again! NEVER BUY AUTOZONE WATERPUMPS FOR VEHICROSS!

[SilverBullet75]

Hey! I listened to your video; and your VX sounds just like mine started to sound a few weeks ago! My timing belt tensioner had totally failed! The tensioner cylinder is hydralicaly loaded and provided pressure to the belt; I put a new one in 11 months ago when I did a timing belt job; and the NEW tensioner failed completely! I'm amazed the timing belt didn't jump! Terrible sounds, I thought all the things listed in this post, EGR or intake manifold clogged, PCV valve clogged, valves going out of adjustment, but the clue in your post is that you were convinced the sound came from your drivers side camshaft; well, that is the one that would make the loudest noise because it's out of sync with the other came, and it sounded TERRIBLE! Replaced the waterpump again! NEVER BUY AUTOZONE WATERPUMPS FOR VEHICROSS!

Hi, my VX just started sounding like this too. In fact your situation with the timing belt sounds identical to mine. I replaced mine about a year ago. My question... What is causing the noise? The engine is still running good, so I don't think the belt has slipped. (I'm just praying it's not a spun bearing, or rod knock).

[SilverBullet75]

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!!!!

[Chopper]

Nice catch!!

[CowboyErik]

Amazing isn't it! I thought my VX was dying to! Going to Indy500 this year? People really think VX is badass at the track!