QuestionHi Calvin:
Long time - how have you been.
A noise started last winter near the distributor that was quite faint. Last weekend it got horribly loud. I can hear it when I stick my ear right on the cap. I removed the suspect distributor, and found that the gear on the end that connects to the camshaft gear was practically seized, it was burned out, it would barely spin. I replaced the distributor with a used one that spins nice and freely and smoothly. I put it back in and the exact same rattling noise is there.
I'm in the midst of removing the timing belt to see if the tension is improper (and to inspect the belt teeth. This timing belt was replaced by a mechanic 3 yrs ago. Tonight I removed the replacement distributor and it still spins smoothly, so I guess we rule out it's the distributor.
Is it possible that the RH Camshaft is shot, or there is some oil starvation on that RH Cylinder Head that caused the death of the distributor (bearings) and it is the camshaft itself that is the culprit. I'm concerned about that whole valve train.
I have no idea what is causing the noise. I figure it's coming directly beneath the distributor and it's a loose rattling spinning sound. The sound changes in pitch and speed as I accelerate or go out of park into drive, it goes lower/slower when I put it into drive from park.
Let me know if you think it will do major damage to drive the car around like this. I wanted to do the major overhaul for the cylinder block and cylinder head in SEPT, but I don't know if i'll make it that far, or if that side of the head is toast. Let me know what you think.
ALL general maintenance has been kept up to spec as per the service manual.
AnswerHi Ron -
Yes, been a while How are you?
I would not drive it, and do the overhaul now. Looks like the oil pump gave out. After running the engine, open the valve cover and does it seem like the engine is dry? If so, then there is a lack of lubrication.
Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin
