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worn_chaos789
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Feb 22, 2014, 6:09 AM
Post #1 of 12
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2001 Cavalier issues
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I made a post yesterday with too many issues all lumped together, so this is to help narrow them down and get some better feedback as a result. I drive a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. Engine size 2.2, at about 100,000 miles. For some time now, I've noticed a ticking while the engine is running. The ticking accelerates and decelerates in rhythm with the RPM. When I press on the gas, it gets faster, and vice versa when I let up on the gas. I've went to a mechanic, who told me that it was the timing chain tensioner, but I've also heard that it could be the lifters. Everything to do with the timing chain had been replaced in 2010 (upwards of $1400 I might add), so I find it hard to believe that the timing chain tensioner is the issue. The noise seems to be much more prominent after the car has been on for some time, like driving home from work (about a 15 minute drive). I'm curious as to what the issue is because to repair this issue (among others that I'm sure you'll be seeing in the forums soon) I'm going to be spending about $900, and if I can help it, I want to lower that cost. Any ideas as to what could be causing the ticking noise?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2014, 6:16 AM
Post #2 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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The sound of a timing chain tensioner and the sound of a bad lifter are quite different and any trained technician should be able to easily distinguish between the two.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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worn_chaos789
Novice
Feb 22, 2014, 6:19 AM
Post #3 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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Unfortunately, I doubt the level of education of the mechanic I took it to. Not exactly the most reputable. When replacing the engine on my dads truck, he replaced the dipstick with a literal stick. So let's assume his opinion is no longer valid, shall we? What is the difference in sound?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2014, 6:34 AM
Post #4 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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Sounds like it's time to get a second opinion from someone else then. You can try recording the sound and uploading it to a site like utube but the sound quality doesn't always help.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2014, 6:59 AM
Post #5 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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Seems you are not going to do this yourself and seeking info. 1. You need another tech IMO. A noise alone with no other problems would be one thing but you previously had a list of issues I would think at least a couple are related.
A decent tech might just hear it in person and know instantly or not. I would take the service belt off, noting where in its life the tensioner for it is then spin all pulleys for a flaw. If that checked out move on but it could be frightfully obvious to a trained ear.
Knock out the problems one by one beginning with this noise and why,
T
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worn_chaos789
Novice
Feb 22, 2014, 8:38 AM
Post #6 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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Well, I've taken the car to get an oil change, which it desperately needed, and the noise is still occurring. I've looked up videos on what it sounds like, and from what I can tell, it seems to be the timing chain. Could it possibly just be a loose tensioner? I'm not sure if it has an automatic tensioner or not, but if so I'm sure I would need to replace it. If it has a manual tensioner, would tightening it back up stop the ticking? and if so, about how much do you think that would cost to have a mechanic do? I apologize if I'm being vague. I'm literally running on the most basic knowledge of cars in general, plus no sleep. As I've mentioned, the timing chain and tensioner were replaced not even 5 years ago after the chain broke. I can't see it needing replaced again already.
(This post was edited by worn_chaos789 on Feb 22, 2014, 8:41 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2014, 8:41 AM
Post #7 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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You just need to get it into a competent shop and have it diagnosed properly.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2014, 8:46 AM
Post #9 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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Quit the maybe this or that as it's mostly futile via web vs being there. You once said lights could be dim for a while so at least see if the main service belt is tight, engine off, all keys, remotes away from the thing so it can't possibly start. If you can't do that much you haven't ruled a single thing out yet on your own,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2014, 8:50 AM
Post #10 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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You aren't going to accurately diagnose a noise problem on the Internet. If you can't find a competent shop in your area, then I don't know what to tell you. Trade it in for a new car.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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worn_chaos789
Novice
Feb 22, 2014, 9:06 AM
Post #11 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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I'm not asking for a complete diagnosis over the internet. I'm asking for general assistance with a problem that I am having. No lights are on. The oil has been changed, and the noise persists, which rules out low oil. The sound is coming from the left side of the engine block, staring downwards. Very near to where the main service belt is, which is fine I might add. As far as the lights dimming and fan running slow, I'm 99% sure that is an alternator problem. I was told to narrow that thread down to solve each problem one on one, which I did, only to have it brought back into light. And one last thing. My "maybe this maybe that" is my own attempt to solve my problem. Which no one here has even remotely attempted to do. Literally every single person has said "take it to a shop." I understand that would be the best decision, but it is not one that I would prefer to use if I can help it. I'm here for rough ideas on the issue, of which I haven't been given a single one. I'm mildly irritated at the lack of effort I've found here, and even more irritated at the stab at my motivation to solve the issue by someone who hasn't even taken a shot in the dark about the issue when all details of said issue have been given, aside from the exact noise, which has been described in about as descriptive of a manner as possible. If there is absolutely nothing that anyone can suggest at this point, except taking it to a shop, then I see no point in continuing this thread
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 22, 2014, 10:54 AM
Post #12 of 12
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Re: 2001 Cavalier issues
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Why don't you take your "mild irritation" and go drink a bottle of Maalox.
I just went outside to listen to your noise but I couldn't hear it. Maybe because you are in Illinois and I am in Florida....... ya think?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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