1997 Sw2 Dohc

[Tenzinkat]

Hey guys I need some help.
I have always wanted a Sw2 for as long as i can remember.
My oppurtunity came when one crossed my path for 800$
She ran great just needed a few sensors replaced and at 260k miles it still rode like a dream.
Unfortunately the other day i checked my oil after 2 weeks of owning it was down two quarts and realized the chattering noise coming from the front of the engine near the timing chain but right under the valve cover(added oil and a quart of lucas but its still there). it sounds pretty rough on start up but gets better as i take off. i have heard different things from timing chain loose to a tensioner/ worn motor mount. the sound would be best described as and old diesel car just chattering away. it still drives great no power loss just that chattering and its getting me concerned.
I was wondering if anybody has had this problem and have found a solution to it.
Thanks in advance
Tenzinkat

[SL19302]

Originally Posted by Tenzinkat

Hey guys I need some help.
I have always wanted a Sw2 for as long as i can remember.
My oppurtunity came when one crossed my path for 800$
She ran great just needed a few sensors replaced and at 260k miles it still rode like a dream.
Unfortunately the other day i checked my oil after 2 weeks of owning it was down two quarts and realized the chattering noise coming from the front of the engine near the timing chain but right under the valve cover(added oil and a quart of lucas but its still there). it sounds pretty rough on start up but gets better as i take off. i have heard different things from timing chain loose to a tensioner/ worn motor mount. the sound would be best described as and old diesel car just chattering away. it still drives great no power loss just that chattering and its getting me concerned.
I was wondering if anybody has had this problem and have found a solution to it.
Thanks in advance
Tenzinkat

Two quarts down is low, It could be excessive wear on the timing chain and guides from lack of oil, If possible could you take a video of the engine noise and post it here for us to hear?

[Tenzinkat]

Originally Posted by SL19302

Two quarts down is low, It could be excessive wear on the timing chain and guides from lack of oil, If possible could you take a video of the engine noise and post it here for us to hear?

I was going to post a video with the sound but I took it to my shop and took the valve cover off and I found the problem the timing chain guides have worn out / destroyed all the plastic was either broken and sitting above the valves and the metal piece got lodged in the case. Good news it's still in time so this week I will be doing a timing chain job! Oh also cylinders are ok the chain ground the metal into fine pieces so the oil filter caught almost all of that!

[VUEmaniac]

Originally Posted by SL19302

Two quarts down is low, It could be excessive wear on the timing chain and guides from lack of oil, If possible could you take a video of the engine noise and post it here for us to hear?

2 quarts low is HALF of your oil missing. I'd pop the valve cover and check for damage.

[Highmile]

That is pretty much the issue I had with mine recently that I posted.

Ended up the main bearings were trashed. I rolled a new set of mains and rod bearings in after polishing the crankshaft with 1500 grit sand paper and then flushing oil passages in the crankshaft

Good Luck
Highmile
'95 SL1 554k and counting

[Tenzinkat]

Originally Posted by VUEmaniac

2 quarts low is HALF of your oil missing. I'd pop the valve cover and check for damage.

I did pop the valve cover! The top timing chain guide had shredded apart an the timing chain was starting to eat into the valve cover. An yea the two quarts of missing oil I didn't notice because when I first bought the car the oil level was right! Less than three weeks later two quarts were missing! Come to find out some of the metal debris ate the front seal up! So I have my new complete timing set in. I will be doing the timing chain this Thursday!

[SL19302]

Originally Posted by Tenzinkat

I did pop the valve cover! The top timing chain guide had shredded apart an the timing chain was starting to eat into the valve cover. An yea the two quarts of missing oil I didn't notice because when I first bought the car the oil level was right! Less than three weeks later two quarts were missing! Come to find out some of the metal debris ate the front seal up! So I have my new complete timing set in. I will be doing the timing chain this Thursday!

With the amount of oil its using chances are it was run low at one point causing the wear on the timing set, A piston soak could help with the problem however dont expect a miracle, It really all depends on the condition of the rings PRIOR to the soak.

[alordofchaos]

My car had timing chain rattle when I bought it, so timing chain was the first thing I did on mine as well.

That was 5 years, 68k ago. The key to longevity, if nothing was already damaged, is to check your oil frequently and keep it full. I put in about 6~9 oz a week.... I overfill slightly each Saturday - to about the "U" in the word FULL - and by next Saturday, it's down a few oz below the very top line.