88 regal 2.8 engine making noise Help

[y2kpa2]

My 2.8 liter engine makes a ticking sound it is not the valves or lifters they have been replaced. it sounds like the Noise comes from near the belt and pulleys or could it be the timing chain

Please Help

[GTP Dad]

Two things, make sure the harmonic balancer on the front of the engine is tight. I had one loosen on a Buick I had years ago and took five trips to the shop before they could find it. Also check the belt tensioner, they will tick when the bearings start to go bad. Good Luck!

[y2kpa2]

Thanks For your help GTP Dad However both of those items checked out fine i put a breaker bar with socket on the harmonic balancer i've got about a half of an inch of play, give or take. A guy at work said it sounds like a main bearing and he was across the parking lot and heard it! he said i have a few months left until the engine goes
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GTP Dad]

The 2.8 is a fairly common engine and you should be able to get one from a wrecking yard at a reasonable cost. Check car-part.com as I found 2.8's in Ohio from $500 on down. Since you are a diy'er you should be able to replace it yourself fairly easily and it may be more cost effective than a rebuild. Good Luck!

[Dfisher40]

All,
I've had a 1988 Buick regal w/ 2.8L for 8 years now.
It started making a Clicking noise one day. I took it to a garage and the mechanic said it was a rod or a bearing. I removed the accessory belt and the noise went away. Turned out to be the water pump. Go figure?
It was more of a knock than a tick.
Dave

[y2kpa2]

thanks for the advice Dave, i will try that, the engine is still running strong!!

[HotZ28]

With the belt off, check the water pump pulley for back and forth-up and down movement with both hands on the pulley. Also, check the outer ring on the harmonic balancer for back and forth movement. I have seen the rubber seperate between the inner and outer sections quite often on thes cars.

[y2kpa2]

another thing i have noticed is that the belt is 6 mos old and already looks worn nothing visable or obvious i have looked i will also check that out,thanks hotz28