Engine Rattle

ClarkeBurns · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 02:42:55 AM

Guys, I'd like your opinion on a rattling noise that's just cropped up. I've got a 95 with 198k running Mobil 1 15w-50. A couple days ago I noticed a rattle at idle. I had suspected the Vanos, but it doesn't sound like "marbles in a can". The rattle isn't constant, but comes and goes. Sometimes it's there, sometimes not. It goes away with rpms as far as I can tell.
After searching, it looks like the most likely culprit is an upper or lower tensioner. Any idea how to tell for sure? I'm in California (Sacramento area), and need to get back to Missouri over the next few days. I'd put up a video, but I'm at a hotel and don't have this capability. I'll try to locate an indy mechanic in the area (recommendations?). Any ideas, let me know.

camdinans3 · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 02:46:21 AM

its entirely possible that its something easy like a heat shield that only rattles during certain RPM's due to resonant frequencies.

every piece on the car has a specific resonant frequency so.....it stands to reason

anarekist · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 02:46:29 AM

motor mount?

OahuMPower · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 02:50:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClarkeBurns

Guys, I'd like your opinion on a rattling noise that's just cropped up. I've got a 95 with 198k running Mobil 1 15w-50. A couple days ago I noticed a rattle at idle. I had suspected the Vanos, but it doesn't sound like "marbles in a can". The rattle isn't constant, but comes and goes. Sometimes it's there, sometimes not. It goes away with rpms as far as I can tell.
After searching, it looks like the most likely culprit is an upper or lower tensioner. Any idea how to tell for sure? I'm in California (Sacramento area), and need to get back to Missouri over the next few days. I'd put up a video, but I'm at a hotel and don't have this capability. I'll try to locate an indy mechanic in the area (recommendations?). Any ideas, let me know.

for recommendations on an indy, I would go to the regional forum over on BFC (much more traffic over there)

rschev · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 03:33:04 AM

Cam chain tensioner upper or lower may beginning to go . Chains don't stretch evenly , and oil pressured tensioners will gall and tend to stick with time , use and age . Can be a very intermittent noise , and may sound louder and happen more often when the oil is cold .

ClarkeBurns · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 05:23:43 AM

It actually is worse when the motor's hot. After a long day of running the California hills I can really hear it when I come to a stop and listen for it. In the mornings, not so much.

salty · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 01:56:50 PM

If you get a cheap mechanics Stethoscope, it will help in pinpointing noises. Kinda entertaining too. Just watch out for spinning parts and getting sucked into the engine.

M3cosmos95 · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 06:01:17 PM

try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from...pop the hood and search around. You can use a screw driver or something to find the noise.

Is the noise consistent with the rpms? or is it just a rattle that doesn't change when you rev the engine?

Let us know

ClarkeBurns · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 10:15:27 PM

Ansel-it's a rattle I only hear at idle. Don't think it changes with rpms.
I just took it to Valley Motorwerks in Sacramento, CA. The guy took one listen and told me it's the Vanos. They quoted $1063 to replace upper and lower chain tensioners, valve cover gasket, plus a Dr. Vanos Stage 2 unit.
The rattle's pretty quiet and about half the time I can't even hear it.
I can't wait here in CA for a Dr. Vanos unit, so it'll get done in Missouri.
Swapping in a Vanos is something way beyond my DIY abilities, so I'll call around and get quotes. Anything else I should check/replace while this is getting done?

M3cosmos95 · Thu, Jun-25-2009, 10:32:20 PM

well if it's the vanos it should change when revved

if it's just your vanos that is bad why are they quoting you for tensioners? I don't know... I would post a video on here. Vanos sounds like marbles in a can, not really a rattle, and varies with the rpms.

have someone rev the engine and pinpoint where on the head it's coming from. If it is the vanos...it should be coming from the right side(driver side) at the very front of the engine. anywhere else is not the vanos. And easy way is to use a screw driver, place the metal tip on the valve cover and put the handle to your ear...when you reach the cause it will get louder.

Maybe I'm just skeptical of mechanics/shops...but if i was going to be spending 1000bucks i would want to be sure

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 02:42:55 AM	#1
ClarkeBurns At the limit of lateral adhesion Join Date: Sep 2008 Age: 26 Posts: 1,036 Reputation: 0 Location: Colorado Springs	Engine Rattle Guys, I'd like your opinion on a rattling noise that's just cropped up. I've got a 95 with 198k running Mobil 1 15w-50. A couple days ago I noticed a rattle at idle. I had suspected the Vanos, but it doesn't sound like "marbles in a can". The rattle isn't constant, but comes and goes. Sometimes it's there, sometimes not. It goes away with rpms as far as I can tell. After searching, it looks like the most likely culprit is an upper or lower tensioner. Any idea how to tell for sure? I'm in California (Sacramento area), and need to get back to Missouri over the next few days. I'd put up a video, but I'm at a hotel and don't have this capability. I'll try to locate an indy mechanic in the area (recommendations?). Any ideas, let me know. __________________ Previous: 1995 Avus M3 2004 Mystic M3 Current: 1999 Hellrot M3 (80k miles) Looking to buy: OEM high arch spoiler in Hellrot (or whole trunklid) Would consider a GT style wing as well (w/o risers). Zionsville competition cooling kit, Samco hoses, Stewart WP, clears + black kidneys, AA Gen III muffler, X-brace, Sparco front strut tower brace, H&R front sway, oil pump nut secured, ZKW headlights, Motion Motorsports underpanel, V1 hardwire, 17x9 LTW5s in 245/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sports all around, AST4100s with 550F/650R, Vorshlag camber plates, Brembo drilled rotors, PF pads. More to follow.

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 02:46:21 AM	#2
camdinans3 Resident Rabble Rouser Join Date: Jul 2008 Age: 27 Posts: 13,139 Reputation: 0 Location: Charlestown NH	its entirely possible that its something easy like a heat shield that only rattles during certain RPM's due to resonant frequencies. every piece on the car has a specific resonant frequency so.....it stands to reason __________________ Andrew: AVUS 1995 ///95 Supercharged Club

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 02:46:29 AM	#3
anarekist i has m3 now? Join Date: Jun 2005 Age: 31 Posts: 784 Reputation: 0 Location: Los Angeles	motor mount? __________________ 1998 Techno-Violet ///M3

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 03:33:04 AM	#5
rschev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 22 Reputation: 0 Location: 5280 Above	Cam chain tensioner upper or lower may beginning to go . Chains don't stretch evenly , and oil pressured tensioners will gall and tend to stick with time , use and age . Can be a very intermittent noise , and may sound louder and happen more often when the oil is cold . __________________ 99 M3 New DD 84 944 na Track Buddy 67 RS Camaro Sledge Hammer and 401k 97 Ram 3500 Cummins Fleet Ambulance

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 05:23:43 AM	#6
ClarkeBurns At the limit of lateral adhesion Join Date: Sep 2008 Age: 26 Posts: 1,036 Reputation: 0 Location: Colorado Springs	It actually is worse when the motor's hot. After a long day of running the California hills I can really hear it when I come to a stop and listen for it. In the mornings, not so much. __________________ Previous: 1995 Avus M3 2004 Mystic M3 Current: 1999 Hellrot M3 (80k miles) Looking to buy: OEM high arch spoiler in Hellrot (or whole trunklid) Would consider a GT style wing as well (w/o risers). Zionsville competition cooling kit, Samco hoses, Stewart WP, clears + black kidneys, AA Gen III muffler, X-brace, Sparco front strut tower brace, H&R front sway, oil pump nut secured, ZKW headlights, Motion Motorsports underpanel, V1 hardwire, 17x9 LTW5s in 245/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sports all around, AST4100s with 550F/650R, Vorshlag camber plates, Brembo drilled rotors, PF pads. More to follow.

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 01:56:50 PM	#7
salty Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 5,318 Reputation: 0 Location: Toronto,Ontario	If you get a cheap mechanics Stethoscope, it will help in pinpointing noises. Kinda entertaining too. Just watch out for spinning parts and getting sucked into the engine. __________________ Bob S 98 M3/4/5 Cosmos, 2003 325 IT, 1999 10AE Miata, 1971, 2800 CS (In the Garage getting refreshed) 1966 Corvair 500/140, 1972 BMW 2002 Malaga.

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 06:01:17 PM	#8
M3cosmos95 I've never even been to Mt. Vesuvius! Join Date: Jun 2007 Age: 25 Posts: 4,603 Reputation: 0 Location: Port Orange, FL	try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from...pop the hood and search around. You can use a screw driver or something to find the noise. Is the noise consistent with the rpms? or is it just a rattle that doesn't change when you rev the engine? Let us know __________________ Ansel MY EX-///M3 \|\| Vanos DIY \|\| 200k ///M Club:(ask me for membership!) \|\| Supercharged ///95 Club(ask me for membership!)

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 10:15:27 PM	#9
ClarkeBurns At the limit of lateral adhesion Join Date: Sep 2008 Age: 26 Posts: 1,036 Reputation: 0 Location: Colorado Springs	Ansel-it's a rattle I only hear at idle. Don't think it changes with rpms. I just took it to Valley Motorwerks in Sacramento, CA. The guy took one listen and told me it's the Vanos. They quoted $1063 to replace upper and lower chain tensioners, valve cover gasket, plus a Dr. Vanos Stage 2 unit. The rattle's pretty quiet and about half the time I can't even hear it. I can't wait here in CA for a Dr. Vanos unit, so it'll get done in Missouri. Swapping in a Vanos is something way beyond my DIY abilities, so I'll call around and get quotes. Anything else I should check/replace while this is getting done? __________________ Previous: 1995 Avus M3 2004 Mystic M3 Current: 1999 Hellrot M3 (80k miles) Looking to buy: OEM high arch spoiler in Hellrot (or whole trunklid) Would consider a GT style wing as well (w/o risers). Zionsville competition cooling kit, Samco hoses, Stewart WP, clears + black kidneys, AA Gen III muffler, X-brace, Sparco front strut tower brace, H&R front sway, oil pump nut secured, ZKW headlights, Motion Motorsports underpanel, V1 hardwire, 17x9 LTW5s in 245/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sports all around, AST4100s with 550F/650R, Vorshlag camber plates, Brembo drilled rotors, PF pads. More to follow.

Thu, Jun-25-2009, 10:32:20 PM	#10
M3cosmos95 I've never even been to Mt. Vesuvius! Join Date: Jun 2007 Age: 25 Posts: 4,603 Reputation: 0 Location: Port Orange, FL	well if it's the vanos it should change when revved if it's just your vanos that is bad why are they quoting you for tensioners? I don't know... I would post a video on here. Vanos sounds like marbles in a can, not really a rattle, and varies with the rpms. have someone rev the engine and pinpoint where on the head it's coming from. If it is the vanos...it should be coming from the right side(driver side) at the very front of the engine. anywhere else is not the vanos. And easy way is to use a screw driver, place the metal tip on the valve cover and put the handle to your ear...when you reach the cause it will get louder. Maybe I'm just skeptical of mechanics/shops...but if i was going to be spending 1000bucks i would want to be sure __________________ Ansel MY EX-///M3 \|\| Vanos DIY \|\| 200k ///M Club:(ask me for membership!) \|\| Supercharged ///95 Club(ask me for membership!)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode