3SGTE rattly on low revs + when cold only ** problem found **

[Shakotan_Aaron]

dont think ive heard a rattle quite like that before...

something simple, but have you checked for exhaust leaks??

i have to tighten up my exhaust once a month as it comes a little bit loose at the manifold and the noise that comes from it is a rattly engine noise from the gas escaping. start it up when its could and put your hand near all the joins and feel for air moving. obviously after a few seconds everything starts heating up quick.

could it possibly be a pump of some sort? PS or water pump?

just a few ideas

[Celica RA45]

check all of the pulleys and with top cover off check to see if the cam belt isnt moving back and forwards chewing into something as well it sounds like the backing plate is loose also sounds like a clutch strap has broken as well

[RobST162]

haha clutch strap

ok i'll check over all those things and see what I come up with thanks fellas

I put a screwdriver on the water pump to see if it was that and it sounds pretty smooth

water pump, timing belt etc were replace maybe 20k ago

[blakeg]

have you taken off the acc , and steering belt ?

[oldcorollas]

ahh, is PS pump a sliding vane type? i've heard similar sounds before with sliding vane vacuum pumps

[thechuckster]

it's not a bottom end sound - i vote something loose attached to a belt/pulley rather than inside the motor.

Have you removed the timing belt cover and had a good gawk for loose stuff, evidence of rubbing etc? When i assembled the front of my gen2 motor, the bits of plastic/guides around the crank pulley were quite snug - something just slightly ajar would have made contact...

[RobST162]

ok, have removed both belts - power steering and a/c + alternator

noise persists... so we can rule all them out

removed upper timing belt cover, everything looks sweet. checked torque on all accessible cam gears, pulleys etc.

checked timing belt for sounds of wear

drove the car for 50ks or so today, goes very well, the noise is there at all times now however but ONLY between less than 2800 rpm and mainly between 2100 -> 2800

also checked tension on timing belt, all good.. it is a mr T item too, so don't suspect wonky timing.. too predictable anyway

what is left to do guys? I am genuinely running out of options.

I think my next steps are to either remove crank pulley (urgh) and take a peek under the cover or remove the sump and make sure my pickup and everything are nice and tight.

though, my oil pressure would know straight away if there were any issues there

so frustrating

[Vios-GT_07]

did you rule out something in the exhaust?

[RobST162]

yeah thanks vios (and all of you for your interest and help too btw)

The noise seems not to be coming from the exhaust so much as right near the pulley

As was suggested I did go over the manifold bolts, turbo bolts, dump bolts, mid pipe bolts all to make sure they were firm and signs of leaking at each join. No luck.

[RobST162]

I also think something *in* the exhaust would probably be a little more inconsistent, and change pitch, tone, maybe go away for a while after I went over some bumps or something etc

[RobST162]

well i went to pull the crank pulley off today to find it was a little loose (I haven't had it off on the car yet - so prev. owner?)

and taking it off, some bad news





what the heck is that? the key on the crank has been 'turned' off by the timing belt washer????

what the heck will I do now? can this be repaired do you think without taking the car to bits?

please say it's possible

[RobST162]

ok, no need to panic it seems. the rattle would have been the few mm play in the timing belt washer

i'll lower the engine down a bit, take the d/s mount off, take the cover off and give everything a good checking

then, i'll see if the timing belt + crank gear has shifted at all on the crank, and move it back if there has been any movement

i'll reset the washer to where it's supposed to be, and then re-assemble and put the pulley on and make sure it's nice and firm.

the clamping force of the accessories pulley should be fine to hold it all in place

[Joshstix]

Not too sure what you're pointing out there Rob. The cut out in the washer should be there only to get over the key, the washer should go past the back of the key and rotate freely in the crank, at least it did on the ones I've played with.

[RobST162]

ok, the inside edge of the outer section of the Key looks like it's had some 'machining' by the washer

i thought the key ran all the way down (i've looked at enough cranks but I must be forgetting )

[warrior]

you should be able to just remove the crank pulley guide pin Rob and swivle the washer back where it is supposed to be.