4AFE 1.6 making a weird noise

[GL~]

Like a rattling at low rpms but disappears when revved. It idles smoothly too. Normally I'd say it was a rod but why wouldn't it get louder and faster as it was revved? Under load(in gear or A/C on) it gets louder too. I replaced the tensioner and the timing belt. There is a tab on the tensioner with the larger hole, it lines up with a hole in the block but nothing fits into it, weird I think. Shouldn't there be something holding the tab in place to keep it from moving? Anyway, heres my bastard Geo of suck and it's anemic 1.6.

You Tube

You Tube

Either way I want to install a 1.8, this is the slowest car I have ever owned. I read the stickied thread an figure a 4AGE AE111 blacktop will fit perfectly but the wiring and computer won't.
Honestly for a novice such as myself the sticky is vague and actually creates more questions then it answers but it helps a little.

[kevmac]

sounds friggin horrible

First of all props to the new guy for the quality video

I noticed a few things here:

-your engine looks like it jumped a little. Check the mounts
-I want to suggest that you check the exhaust manifold or pipes for leaks (I have a feeling it isn't that easy though)
-that cap looks ancient. I think it was red at one time Replace the cap, rotor, plugs, wires. It looks like they've been there since day one.
-might have messed up timing when changing timing belt?

The 1.6 might be weak, but the engine will last a long time if maintained. I see less issues with burning than the 1.8 on here.

[GL~]

Thanks for the quick reply! This noise has been driving me crazy. I replaced the timing belt exactly as the instructions showed, I triple checked it. I really don't know how old the cap is but the coil pack was replaced recently. The mounts are easily original...I did notice the engine moves a lot when it goes into gear...
The parking brake doesn't work either. Maybe a linkage in the transmission is loose and clinking around?

My wife took the video. I was going to remove the timing covers and film it running to see if the tensioner was rattling around at all. The original one was worn out and clicked when you spun it.

I had to replace the cam sprocket because the original one was destroyed by me in a fit of insanity when removing the timing covers(the bolt behind the alternator...wtf? Who designed that?)

I knew this forum was the right place to be. I located a 4AGE A111 for $550 with 60K but I have zero knowledge about these things. I rely on YOU guys who deal with them daily for info. If you need something answered, ask the people who know.

[kevmac]

that engine seems to be a good find, but don't ignore the ignition setup. Even if you get the engine, the new ignition parts will be needed, so why not start now.

parking brake is drum related not transmission related. Pull the wheels (all of them). Check the pads and metal surfaces for grooves, etc. spray a whole can or more of brake cleaner in the rear drum parts to clean them enough for inspection. You may have either raw pads or loose/ broken metal crap (I hate this crappy invention). Also check the adjustment for the hand break and if new pads recently, then do the star adjust.

replace the mounts no matter what, but if swapping, it is a perfect convenience.

[Jeepm@n]

I had a similar noise from my 93 with the 1.6l. It was the vibration dampener pulley bolt coming loose from the crankshaft. Pulled it out and found the bolt was destroyed. Went to Fastenal and bought a replacement bolt and tap. Cleaned up the threads on the crank and put the new bolt in without an issue. Do not use case hardened or grade 10.9 bolts as the steel of the bolt is then harder then the crankshaft and if it comes loose will destroy your crankshaft. Good luck.

[blkavalon]

there is sooo much movement in your engine. you need mounts. probably all the rubber part is all gone and that make all that noise

[Rip The E Brake]

Originally Posted by blkavalon

there is sooo much movement in your engine. you need mounts. probably all the rubber part is all gone and that make all that noise

Agreed. Check passenger side 1st.

[retiredat44]

dude! the sound gave me a headache

anyways,,

the exhaust-flex-pipe, probably is leaking and needs replaced..

and the motor mounts needs to be checked... is that an automatic, and were you dropping it into gear with the engine revved-up?
it did move a bit..

I can't tell if I heard a inside engine rattle or just outside rattle noises... maybe use a stethoscope.. but with the exhaust leak, it's just hard to tell on video/audio..


Good luck