Sounds like marbles

95 Grand Am. 2.3ltr. 139k miles. When the engines gets to operating temp, it sounds like marbles on top of the motor. It's fine on start up for awhile. Did a head gasket, replaced the timing chain, valve job, etc. two years ago. Been fine since. Just acting up now. Oil pump? Where is it located and can I replace it without pulling the motor out if that may be the problem. Thanks.

Sounds like something in the valve train.
Pull the valve cover off and see how it looks.
If everything looks fine and not loose/broken(or metal shavings around) then you might check your oil pressure. I think the oil pumps accessable without pulling the motor too.

You sure it's coming from the top of the motor and not the timing chain area ??

Yea......pretty sure it's not the timing chain area. Sounds more in the center of the motor. Do you know where the oil pump is located.....anyone? Thanks.

Here's something I want to run by you: In park, I rev the engine and the noise goes away. And after a closer listen, it does sound like the timing chain area. What could be loose or worn? I just put that thing in when I did the head job 26k miles ago.

Did you replace the chain guides ??

If not that's probly the problem.
If you did replace those, did the pop out and tighten the tension ??

Did you replace the chain guides ??

If not that's probly the problem.
If you did replace those, did the pop out and tighten the tension ??

Yes I replaced the guides. They came with the new chain. And yes I did pop out the tension spring on the guide. Guess I won't know what's going on till I get in there. I'm not going to pull the valve covers off because that is a major job. They are connected to the side of the timing chain cover. I'd rather pull the chain cover first and see what's going on in there.

Were the guides compressed and held with a wire or something when you bought them ?

Yes I believe so. From what I can remember, yes.

After in install the new guides they should be released and popped out to tighten up chian tension. If this wasnt done it could be the culprit making the racket.

These are noisey engines to begin with, but shouldnt sounds like marbles rattling. :grinno:

Probly going to have to pull it apart and visibly inspect this area. Hopefully you wont have to pull the head too.

Good Luck!

Here is one other thing too on this. Seems to be if the car is warm, sitting idling, it will be making the noise, BUT if I turn the steering wheel slightly to the left or right, the noise goes away COMPLETLY! Any ideas on this one? Thanks.

air in the power steering system?

Here is one other thing too on this. Seems to be if the car is warm, sitting idling, it will be making the noise, BUT if I turn the steering wheel slightly to the left or right, the noise goes away COMPLETLY! Any ideas on this one? Thanks.

Well that sounds more like your power steering pump. Possibly going out or soon to. Though these pumps are noisy!

Really...? Boy I hope that would be it. Any other test or diagnosis I can do on that? Thanks.