Rod Knock or Lifter Tap?

[lestat210]

Okay, so I've got this friend who has(had) a 95 eclipse, non turbo, who, about a year ago noticed a real loud tick, or a soft knock coming from the timing belt side of the valve cover. Told me he'd sell it to me cheap (free), if I'd just come and get it. Picked it up, started it up, and there it is. The thing runs smooth (at an idle, scared to rev it), but there is this knock. Pulled the valve cover, didn't see anything wierd. I'm afraid it's a spun rod bearing. One thing tho, when I do rev it up to about 2000 rpm, during the decel, the knock is just about gone. Once it stabilizes, it's back. I've searched the forums, but am not sure if I'm truly dealing with a rod knock or a bad "valve lash adjuster". I'm not sure where to go from here; ie what steps and what order. And how do I test the lifters? I appreciate any and all help. Thanks

One other thing, he had the oil changed a few days before the knocking was noticed.

Thanks again

 

[ddavisaf]

Take the valve cover off and turn the crank by hand. Watch and see if there is any unusual movement. If you can't find anything then drop the oil pan and test the rod bearings.

 

[Game Over]

When I spun a rod bearing, the car would not idle, it would stall. Also, when you revved it, it knocked the whole time. Having a turbo 2G, I had lifter tick too, but that only happened on a cold day at idle, not when you revved it, and not on decel. I suggest checking the oil for metal shavings, that will prove a spun rod bearing. And if you are mechanically inclined, you can drop the pan and check that way. Good luck.

If it was me, I would just part the car out, if it is proved to be a bad motor.

 

[Defiant]

My money says:

 

[Strm Trpr]

I don't think a 2g NT has balance shafts.....

 

[lestat210]

Thanks to all for the replies. Obviously, I'm hoping that it's not a rod bearing, and I'm gonna drop the pan to check. If that turns out to be a negative, how could I check the lifters (valve lash adjusters)? Also, if the timing belt had jumped (doubtful?), wouldn't it knock/tap when the engine was turned over without the plugs installed?

Thanks again!

 

[lestat210]

Little update
Just for giggles, I put the valve cover back on, fired it up, and then proceeded to pull plug wires, looking for a change. Sure enough, when I pull cyl #1 plug wire, the 'knocking' is somewate diminished, though still there through all rpm ranges. Is that a pretty good indication of a spun bearing? As it was a relatively free car, and the mileage will be about double what I get in my ram, I'm thinking of just changing the bad rod bearing. I know that's not the preferred method, but hey, if it lasts 6 months, it will be worth it. Question is, how long WILL it last? That's anybodies guess, but does anyone have any insight?

Thanks in advance

 

[Strm Trpr]

Try flushing the engine and changing the oil.
Sometimes shit just gets sticky in there, and needs to be cleaned.
My motor had lifter tick, I flushed the engine, I now run OEM EVO filters with standard Mobile 1 10W-30 in my GST, and I haven't had lifter tick in over 30k miles.
Perhaps the noise you're hearing has something to do with the wrist pin where the Con Rod and Piston connect together. Just a thought....

 

[lestat210]

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I double posted , and i've got some pics in another thread

Thanks again,
mike

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

put a quart of lucas oil stabilizer in there and see if it quites down after driving it around a bit. If so, it's probably lifter.