Topic: Slight banging noise in engine

[jfrabat]

I have a '94YJ, and the engine has a banging noise (I gues the best way to describe it is that it sounds a little like a diesel engine).  I am strongly suspecting that the timing chain has come a bit loose and is rubbing on the cover, but what would be the best way to be sure if this is the problem?  By the way, if it IS the problem, anyone know of a good place to buy the timing belt and the cover (it most likely would be damaged from the chain, so I am thinking it will need replacing)?

The engine has had this sound since the first day I got it, and I did not think much of it, but a couple of people have told me that I should get it checked out...

Felipe

[Jeffy]

Is it?

• Constant
• Rhythmic
• Erratic
• Predictable
• Heavy
• Light
• Scraping
• Knocking
• Tapping
• Up High
• Down Low
• Dependant on RPM

[jfrabat]

It is very rythmic, and depends on RPM (although when I hit the gas it gets harder to hear it because of the exhaust and engine noises).  The noise is not so loud as to sound like an engine-threatening malfunction, and I would describe the knocking (maybe that's not the best word choice, but bear with me) noise as that of the valves of a diesel engine...  Kind of tac, tac, tac...

[Jeffy]

Well, I'd check the exhaust manifold for a missing bolt.  Other then a collapsed lifter, I'd say it's normal valve noise.  These engines aren't hi-tech by any means and are noisy.  I know my engine had been tapping away since new.

[jfrabat]

I thought it was a normal tapping too, but then two different people (one of them a mechanic that does mechanic work for the club near where I live, miami4x4.com, so he knows a thing or two about Jeeps) told me he heard a weird noise.

What I'll do to try to get your opinions is record the Jeep idling and post it here (or somewhere elso with a link to it here) so that you guys can hear it.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I am guessing sounds are worth at least 100!

Expect that on Sunday or Monday, as I am heading out the door to houston for a meeting.

Felipe