sounds like the timing chain coming in contact with timing cover

[prioris]

i have 1999 saturn sl1 220K miles

i am going to have my timing chain replaced. the part i sent away for will be here next wednesday so probably have it changed latter part of next week.

when i listen to the timing cover, there is a clack clack clack sound.

it does kind of sounds like the timing chain coming in contact with timing cover or maybe loose chain but wouldn't really know.

last week one guy who has lots of experience with cars said that i need to get timing chain replaced but as long as the car isn't driven rough, it should be ok for a while

someone else is driving the car and they need it to get to work so will probably put another 150 miles or so on it before it can get fixed.

my main concern is that the saturn is an interference engine and that if it breaks, it could be costly.

[OldNuc]

If the chain is actually hitting the block you are making aluminum chunks inside the engine, not good. Take the belt off and see if it still makes the same noise. Do this with a cold engine.

[prioris]

i probably don't have the tools to do that but if i can get my hands on some, what will it tell me besides it not being the belt.

the noise is at its worst when idling but gets quieter when the car gets driven

[OldNuc]

The problem is most likely the BELT tensioner and not the timing chain.

You need a 14 or 15 mm box end wrench.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdhCzA0NcDQ