cams rubbing against timing belt cover!

[96' Talon ESI]

ok in my 1996 eagle talon esi the cams or something rubs up against my timing belt cover only when it gets a bit chilly out or just randomly. is this good? whats the problem?

 

[luv2rallye]

Check the harmonic balancer (crank pulley) to see if it's separating.

 

[96' Talon ESI]

where can this crank pulley be located? i mean when i push in the belt cover it stops so i was thinking that maybe a bolt was loose somewhere?

 

[luv2rallye]

Where are you pushing to make it stop? The crank pulley is the main big pulley on the end of the crankshaft the accessary belts go on (A/C, alt) but if you're not pushing down there then it's probably not the problem. I just mentioned it because you said when cold or first starting up which is sometimes a symptom of it separating.

 

[96' Talon ESI]

no i push it at the top or middle towards the head. not down. what could it be then?

 

[luv2rallye]

Look to see if the P/S or A/C accessary belts are touching the cover (cover may be warped or broken). If not, remove the top cover (easy 3 bolts) and see if noise disappears (you can run w/o cover for testing - it just keeps dirt out). If noise still there make sure all bolts in center cover are present and snug (don't overtighten, cover cracks easily). Don't forget the one that is extremely recessed. Look down inside cover from top with flashlight to see if anything is not normal or touching. Does noise still go away when pressing middle cover?

 

[luv2rallye]

Sorry I didn't notice you had a NT. Remove the TB inspection window cover (top middle) and see if anything looks like it's touching.

 

[BISHILVR]

Those covers warp from age and heat, then they expand and contract with temp changes and can rub sometimes.