bearing troubles? testing?

[98stanggt22]

I know how to and have already tested them and the bearing noise didn't change when pulling spark plug wires individually. how would I test my main bearings without pulling everything? is there a quick test similar to the rod bearing test? are there any other failures or causes that sounds similar? the noise speeds up as the engine does. it also sounds like its right at the crank pulley. my educated guess is the front main bearing. any input or advice. thanks

 

[bhuff30]

Not much detail here. So what kind of noise does it make? When does it make noise. Be specific and detailed. Cold/Hot? idle/full load? high rpm/low rpms?

It is unlikely a main bearing issue. If the engine was oil starved, rod bearings will complain long before main bearings. If the engine was starved of oil, the rod bearings are likely done. Other common issues are valve train or timing chain related. Both are relatively easy to fix, at least compared to rod bearings.

 

[trinity_gt]

I agree with bhuff: Mains are not a common issue on these engines and oil starved rod big-end bearings are a much more common failure.

If you can provide a sound clip it would be very helpful; everything is just WAGs without something objective to go by.

You say the noise is down near the crank pulley: It's even possible the noise is related to a timing chain/guide/tensioner problem and not a bearing at all.

 

[98stanggt22]

well could you first tell me how to upload a video?
its a constant noise no matter hot or cold it speeds up as the engine speeds up. yet when it speeds up it fades away slightly but is always there. nothing really affects the noise. at first I thought it was just a loose crank pulley. I also ran the car without the belt and the same noise and noise level. it is loud at idle especially that's why I think something is loose or worn on the inside like possibly timing chain noise idk. theres only a few things of what they are and I need to figure out how to diagnose it. I know how to fix it but I have to find what exactly it is. thanks

 

[bhuff30]

Bearing noise will vary with load and temperature. I am thinking timing chain noise or valve train. Since you say it seems to come from the front, it is more likely the timing chain. There are some hydraulic adjusters on the chain which can fail and there are guides which can wear and cause excess slack. You'll just have to open her up and see. If I pulled the front cover, I wouldn't put it together without new guides as they tend to wear over time.

 

[rockyracoon]

If it is the guides please dont continue to drive the car as that is what destroyed my motor. The bits of plastic clogged up the screen on the pickup tube and then proceeded to starve the motor of oil pressure, not good.

 

[98stanggt22]

Bearing noise will vary with load and temperature. I am thinking timing chain noise or valve train. Since you say it seems to come from the front, it is more likely the timing chain. There are some hydraulic adjusters on the chain which can fail and there are guides which can wear and cause excess slack. You'll just have to open her up and see. If I pulled the front cover, I wouldn't put it together without new guides as they tend to wear over time.

it does vary a bit but it does not disappear. they have new guides. I think a failed tensioner could be the issue. how can you test the tensioner?