I've had my camaro for over 2 years now and ever since i've had it, its made this odd rattling sound in the engine (always during idle). Anyway, lately, the rattling has been getting much worse and MUCH MUCH more frequent. I got home tonight and popped the hood and it almost sounded like the noise was coming from between the two valve covers which made me think of the manifold. I dont know if that is really causing anything, but who knows. I didnt check to see if the heat shield was rattling cause it was dark out when i got home, but this is worrying me cause i can hear it when i'm in the car w/ the windows closed (granted the cowl makes noices much louder). Any ideas what this could be?

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1991 Camaro RS (auto)

PERFORMANCE
-Custom exhaust
-Edelbrock (well the bottom part at least) 14x3 open air element w/ 5" high K&N filter
-K&N X-stream lid

APPEARANCE
-TTops
-4" Cowl induction hood (functional obviously)
-GTS taillight blackouts

[This message has been edited by 1991camaroRS (edited September 24, 2001).]

 

timing chain?

 

Hmm...never really thought about that...how would i go about fixing that? Is it just a matter of tightening it? Cause this rattling is really starting to annoy me. I came to a stoplight this morning and the rattling was unbelievable so i slipped it into neutral and it got all quiet...until i put it back into drive...arrgg

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1991 Camaro RS (auto)

PERFORMANCE
-Custom exhaust
-Edelbrock (well the bottom part at least) 14x3 open air element w/ 5" high K&N filter
-K&N X-stream lid

APPEARANCE
-TTops
-4" Cowl induction hood (functional obviously)
-GTS taillight blackouts

 

The timing chain will be a pain in the butt if that is your problem. You'll have to take off the front pulleys and water pump, and power steering. Then take off the timing chain cover. You can't tighten it you'll have to buy a new one, but they're not that expensive you can get a double roller from summit for like $70. This will also help restore some lost power.
If you think it might be more of a tapping sound, you might have some collapsed lifters.

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'86 IROC
T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK TES HEADERS
3" Hooker CatBack w/Aero Chamber muffler
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat
3:73 Posi
Rebuilt 700R4
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite

 

No no, its a rattling sound. I'll find out more tonight. Me and my dad are gonna give it some inspection action when he gets off work so i'll have a more detailed diagnosis later. Thanx

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1991 Camaro RS (auto)

PERFORMANCE
-Custom exhaust
-Edelbrock (well the bottom part at least) 14x3 open air element w/ 5" high K&N filter
-K&N X-stream lid

APPEARANCE
-TTops
-4" Cowl induction hood (functional obviously)
-GTS taillight blackouts

 

I had a rattling problem with an '84 Z28. When the car would idle in drive, or when I just started to accelerate, there was a rattling sound that was coming from in back of the engine. Once the car was at a stable cruising speed, the sound would disappear. The problem turned out to be a loose torque converter-to-flywheel bolt. It worked itself loose; and during acceleration or at idle it would rattle.

If that is the problem with your car, it is a simple and cheap fix. My problem was also diagnosed as a worn timing chain. I'm not saying that it couldn't be the timing chain, but try to eliminate the easier(and cheaper) fixes first. If the problem was a worn timing chain, wouldn't you notice poor engine performance?

If the problem is a loose bolt, just tighten it to spec. For a little extra security add a little thread lock to the bolt to prevent it from backing out later.

 

i agree, its the torque converter i bet...had a 77 camaro did the same thing, itd clear up in neutral, but in drive or reverse at idle it would make a really loud clattering sound. took a while to find it, but it was a quick and easy fix. hope thats it, wouldnt want you to have to buy a timing chain, thats no fun. and if it was the timing chain im betting it wouldnt run quite right. anyway, late

 

also check the water pump, it will make a rattle sound sometimes like that!

 

I'll add my guess...

Broken flexplate.



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ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...

R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"

 

So many suggestions. Ok, i'll start with the torque converter which sounds like it what might be. Question: since i've stated time and time before, i'm an idiot about engine components. Where would i go about finding the torque converter and this mystical screw? I wanna look at this stuff tomorrow after class so quick help would be great. Thanx for the help thus far

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1991 Camaro RS (auto)

PERFORMANCE
-Custom exhaust
-14x5 K&N open element
-K&N X-stream lid

APPEARANCE
-TTops
-4" Cowl induction hood (functional obviously)
-GTS taillight blackouts

 

Torque converter: Slides onto the input shaft of the transmission and bolts to the flexplate. Flexplate is bolted to the end of the crankshaft at the back of the engine. You can see the torque converter by taking off the inspection cover on the bottom of the bellhousing. Its purpose is to decouple the engnie from the transmission and allow slippage, like putting your foot on the clutch in a manual transmission car. Thats a super-simplified explanation, but essentially thats its job.

To replace the torque converter or flexplate involves removal of the transmission. This is something a decent shadetree mechanic can do, it doesnt really require any specialty tools, just alot of extensions and a u-joint for the socket wrench to get at the bellhousing bolts, but from what you've posted Im pretty sure it would be over your head. I'm not trying to be demeaning, its just an involved job and if you cant get it done you're stuck getting it towed to a garage, which would really suck.

[This message has been edited by cfabe (edited September 25, 2001).]