Camaro91RS

Alright guys....well for the past couple of months, when my car is idling from 600-1200 RPM's, the nastiest rattling noice comes from the engine bay. The only way I can describe it is like a hundred slinkies being dragged across something. Now lately, it's gotten much worse, as has my idle problem. (I'm thinking they're related) I'm idling around 500, and it almost sputters just before going back up to 700 then 500, etc. I have to keep my foot on the break and rev it at stoplights, it sux! I decided to jack up my car, and visually search for it. I couldn't see anything, but the sound seemed to be coming from the very bottom of the engine near the Cam(?)..I'm a newbie so I'm not exactly sure what the bottom pulley is, but I'm pretty sure it's the cam. It sounds like it's coming from that, and my car has lost tremendous power since this problem got worse.

Now I read that it could be the cat....? I'm not even too sure what it looks like :-/ but I'm assuming it's the pipe in which I installed my O2 sensor. I knocked on it, but couldn't really hear any rattling.

Does anyone have any idea's? Thanks a lot

jzajac1

Since you're not familiar with engines, you can take it to a dealer or a reputable repair shop and have your problem diagnosed. Most shops charge anywhere from $35-50 dollars around the area for diagnosis only. They don't do any repairs and should be able to tell you what you'll need.

90rocz

If it sounds like gravel rolling around in a metal pan, I'd bet it's the timing chain. But if it sounds like a pulley bearing, take the belt(s) off, with the engine off spin each pulley by hand and see if you hear it.

Camaro91RS

Awesome, thanks for the replies guys.

90rocz, yeah the gravel rolling around in a metal pan is almost exactly what it sounds like. If indeed it is the timing chain, how much would that be to repair? and could that be my idle problem? Thanks!!!!