How do I tell a difference between a VTC problem, and a timing chain problem?
My car has 134K on it. It rattled and sounded like deisel when running. I grounded the VTC and now it only has a slight rattle at start up. Last a split second. Anyway, is there anyway to tell if it is the timing chain, and NOT the VTC? I have searched and it appears that the chains appear to not be an issue in the SE models.
Does anyone have a sound clip of a car with the VTC rattling its **** off? If not, that would be great to add to the archive.
ps, she has a small leak and I got a sneaky feeling i will be changing the water pump this weekend, sounds like fun huh? Its okay though, my buddy has a 3000GT vr4(the all wheel drive twin turbo model) and we changed his timing belt a while back, and replaced allmost every sensor so he ownes me a favor and will be wrenching with me so it shouldnt be too hard.
ps, i searched but came up empty on the timing chain noise vs. VTC noise

 

With that type of mileage you can rule out timing chain problems.

Its your VTC's.

 

not necessarily.. it all depends on how the previous owner took care of the car. with improper maintenance, even timing chains/tensioners can go out at 100k if they've been starved of oil too long.

I highly doubt that's the problem, but it can't eb counted out.
for the noises at startup, that's most likely a lifter issue. if it only happens for a split second at startup, I wouldn't worry about it.
also, be sure you're using a GOOD oil filter and good oil. cheapo Fram filters don't have a good anti-drainback valve and will starve the engine of oil at startup. use at minimum an STP or an OEM filter.

 

Good point.

 

You guys ever used anything called Luca's oil Stabilizer? Its an oil add in you put in when you change the oil. It is made so when you start the car, everything is still well lubbed. I ran it in my racecars and all my cars/trucks and have allways had good luck with it. It is unlike anything I have EVER seen in that its about as think as honey.
Just curious.
Thanks again, BRian!

 

Go to alldata.com and look up the VTC tsb and the timing chain noise tsb. Then go to your local main branch library and ask for the alldata disc for your year. Then you can print it out.

It might up here on .org also.

 

Yeah chains dont last forever. I guess the people who owned the car before me did not do a very good job mechanically with the car. I need new timing chain sprockets and the dealership wants $$$$ for it! My VTCs are grounded and there is still some noise in my engine during cold start ups but it only lasts like 30 seconds I could have grounded wrong(followed directions ) or have a lifter problem.
The timing chain noise from my experience is when the car is in gear at low rpms(5sp) and you can here a type of chattering but then goes away once rpms increase but those are my sprockets not sure if the chain itself would sound different.
Good luck with finding the source of your problems!