Engine Swap Help... and more

[ghostcyrus]

I believe my car is a 1G,
i have a 1993 Plymouth Laser 2.0 DOHC non turbo
so... if someone could clarify that for me, that would be great.

anyways, my motor is making a strange LOUD clicking noise on the right side near the cam gears, i can't figure out what the heck it is, if you would know, awesome.

also, it doesn't want to get up and go... i can hold the gas pedal all the way down and it kinda just slowly creeps up to the speed limit... yeah, another one for you.

and since im tired of those two problems. i thought i would just go buy a used motor, which would be a pain in the arse since i don't have the tools for it. i would hope to not but whatever, i was wondering if i were to do that, would a 1993 or 94 Mitsubishi eclipse motor would fit in my car ?

Thanks in advance guys

 

[9!'clipseDOHC]

Can you give some more background on your car? Did you just get it and its like this or you've had it for years and its been running great but just started acting like this? Is the clicking only at idle or only when you drive or all the time? Etc.

Where to begin. Yes you have a 1g, 1990-1994. Yes a 1990-1994 motor would be a direct swap into your car. Do you need a new motor though, that is the question. Is there anyway that you can post video of the "LOUD clicking noise"? As far the lack of power, that could be anything. I would replace your plugs and wires with factory NGKs. There are many things that could cause this though. I would also get your timing checked, it could be off.

Hope this helps!

 

[ghostcyrus]

ok thank you. i did replace the plugs and wires. also, flushed the oil and replaced the filter.
yes i just bought the car, about 4 days ago. its been making this noise. it quites down after about 10 or so minutes but not by much... im going downstairs to make a video right now. so i will post it asap. as far as the timing, any way i could do it myself ?

 

[9!'clipseDOHC]

If you have a timing light yes. You can get a cheap one for about $30 or so or find a friend who has one and borrow it. Its very easy to check. Are you sure you have the right amount of oil? Also what weight oil did you use?

 

[khartley]

Take the oil cap off while the car is running just to see if the ticking is louder. Smell your exhaust while its running too and see if you get a sort of rotten egg smell.

How many miles is on this car?

 

[ghostcyrus]

taking the oil cap off while its running will that mess anything up ?
and it has 140k on it

 

[rlacasse1]

No. A little oil may leak squirt out. But if it gets louder and you can here it better then it is probably something internal (like lifters).

 

[ghostcyrus]

youtube video for you all
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AHZV0O8rNWM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AHZV0O8rNWM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

sorry about that, but the video is posted, if anyone can figure out what that clicking noise is, please let me know

 

[ghostcyrus]

ok i have taken the oil cap off and the sound does NOT get any louder, it stays the same.

 

[Rajin]

That's certainly not lifter noise....that's way too loud for it to be.

Pull the valvecover off and visually inspect the head.

 

[BLINKY619]

does the motor want to die or is it just me?

 

[Rajin]

does the motor want to die or is it just me?

It's trying to die it sounds like. It's not a knock because it's consistent thru revs.

Most knocks will fade above 3K unless they are about to come thru the block.

It's valvetrain noise.

 

[brian9397gsx]

that sounds alot like a spun rod bearing or balance shaft bearing i would be tempted to pull the oil pan and inspect your rods for excessive play. also when you drain your oil was it sparkly

 

[mjag60edsm]

In my opinion: It definitely does not sound like rod knock (spun bearing, etc)... plus, knocking rods are not a source for loss of power like you described. Valve train issues would relate to power loss. Have you pulled the timing pulley cover off to inspect what the timing belt looks like and if anything seems out of line there? This is really quick and easy to do. If it really is valve train issues I am surprised it did not get louder with the oil cap off.

 

[chaggard27]

Sounds like a deff miss fire to me. Almost has that diesel sound which would suggest a miss fire I would pull one plug wire at a time starting with #1 cylinder. If you pull a plug and there is no change to the motor idle then it is that cylinder. I would almost bet money on miss fire though

 

[Rajin]

POP POP POP POP consistent with engine speeds is commonly a issue in the head.

Misfire could also be a possibility, do a visual inspection on the head first. Then misfire checks. THEN bottom end checks.

 

[brian9397gsx]

i listened to that again (crappy laptop speakers) its loud haha it honestly shouldnt be that hard to find. pull the valve cover off check inside first. i dont know if its my crappy speakers or what but it sounds alot like bottom end but my speakers are blown also. since theres a vast majority telling you to check the head check the head.

you can start with checking spark and pulling spark plugs for signs of a dead cylinder (wet plug)
remove the valve cover and look for signs of collapsed lifter or anything that does not look right. check the obvious first

good luck