shwndh

Yesterday afternoon I was exiting off the highway at about 40mph and I start hearing this clacking noise coming from the engine. There was no power loss just this clacking noise like a dull aluminum tappin against aluminum sound. I quickly pull over and look under the hood and it's comming from the front of the engine (98 2.8l qm). I turn the car off and find the timing belt has very little tension on it.

The engine ran last time I started it but since I saw that the TB was loose I haven't started it again. There were no lights or warning or anything. Do you guys think the block heads or both are damaged? I've heard of a theory that it could just be the tensioner arm slapping against the pully. It's Suday and I won't be able to get it diagnosed until.... Anyway, the cars at my house now and I've already spent $100 towing the car. Whats the best way to get it diagnosed? Aren't there mobile mechanics that can come and test it at the house?

Mike O.

Replace the belt/tensioner and then do a leakdown test.

shwndh

I just pulled the bumper and the loud clacking is the tensioner slapping against the wall it was supposed to be bolted to. The bolt snapped clean in half for some reason. The tensioner pulley seems to be in good condition, just a snapped bolt.

I guess I need to get another bolt, belt and set the timing again but I dont' know how to set the timing.

fusilier

Turned out it was the water pump's pulley/bearing.
WEnt ahead and did the whole timing belt.

Mat Indukts Lambos

I say you have a bad waterpump, timing belt tensioner, or idler pulley. Most likely the waterpump though. Dealer parts are just shy of $500, aftermarket you can find them for under $300. You'll want to replace the timing belt, waterpump, thermostat & seal, timing belt tensioner, and timing belt idler pulley. Also the serpentine belt if it hasn't been replaced yet. Labor will run you around $600-900.

shwndh

Everything else seems to be OK. The problem I have now is that the bolt holding the roller on has snapped clean in half and is flush with the block. I tried to cut a line in it and get it out with a flat head but nodda.

The only thing I can think of is to do the tap and die but I've never used it before and I'm worried about damaging the block (actually a sealing flange). I'm thinking if I retap this thing it would have to be pefectly strait. I wish a machinist could come to my house and do it for me.

Mat Indukts Lambos

might have been luck though. If you've already been cutting on it, then you may very likely need to drill, extract, & tap. Good luck, been there, PITA.

Mat Indukts Lambos

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