Timing Belt or Chain? 98 CE

[carrera0to60]

I recently bought a 98 CE with about 80k miles for my commuter car. Overall I am very please with it but today I started hearing a metallic type chattering sound from the left side of the engine (looking from the front). Sounds to me like the timing chain is slightly loose and maybe the cause of the sound but when I search all the auto pats websites it doesnt show a timing chain tensioner. So do I have a belt or a chain? Does anyone have any other ideas what the sound is? it doesn't do it continuously but it does seem to only start when the engine is warmed up and at idle. I did a compression test and all the cylinders are in the ballpark so Im hoping thats means my valves arent taping..... I cant imagine it would have lasted this long if the valves were taping (driven it about 500miles so far). Thanks for the help in advance.

[Airjer_]

You have a timing belt.

You can start by removing the serpentine belt and start the engine. If you don't hear the noise than its something with one of the accessories that the serpentine belt drives. Don't let the engine run to long without the serp belt on.

[carrera0to60]

Originally Posted by Airjer_

You have a timing belt.

You can start by removing the serpentine belt and start the engine. If you don't hear the noise than its something with one of the accessories that the serpentine belt drives. Don't let the engine run to long without the serp belt on.

A belt huh? Well thats somewhat comforting, guessing that means its a non-interference engine then? The link in the FAQ's doesnt work. Ill take the serpentine off and see what happens.

[roadrunner2]

You have a timing chain NOT a belt and yes, it is a non-interference engine.

Gates belts info.

It's unusual for a timing chain to wear out at only 80k miles. It IS possible to have a plastic gear lose a tooth, but that would throw the timing off and the engine would run rough and (apart from the noise) it's running fine, right?

Do what Airjer suggested and remove the belt and test.

Before you reroute the serpentine belt back on, check by hand (Engine off and key removed) each pulley by turning and applying side pressure at the same time.

Pay particular attention to the serpentine's tension pulley.

BTW, most timing belts also have a tension pulley.

[jdmccright]

If the engine has a timing chain (which it does), don't confuse the situation by giving advice pertaining to a timing belt.

That sound is probably the timing chain clattering against the tensioner because the tensioner spring has gotten loose. You may have to remove quite a bit to get the cover off but once in there, readjustment or replacement should be reasonably easy.

[carrera0to60]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

You have a timing chain NOT a belt and yes, it is a non-interference engine.

Gates belts info.

It's unusual for a timing chain to wear out at only 80k miles. It IS possible to have a plastic gear lose a tooth, but that would throw the timing off and the engine would run rough and (apart from the noise) it's running fine, right?

Do what Airjer suggested and remove the belt and test.

Before you reroute the serpentine belt back on, check by hand (Engine off and key removed) each pulley by turning and applying side pressure at the same time.

Pay particular attention to the serpentine's tension pulley.

BTW, most timing belts also have a tension pulley.

Yep it runs fine. Ill be sure to do the pulley check once I have the belt off. Replacing the chain tensioner seems like a pretty easy job, and cheap so Ill probably go for that anyway just to see.

[Airjer_]

Slip of the fingers, sorry. its a timing chain.

If it still make the noise with the belt off than I would be suspicious of a chain component making the noise as well.

[gumby_ct]

I have a 1998 Corolla VE 63k/mi and a 1995 Geo Prizm 128k/mi do both have a timing chain? If not which one has the belt and what are the replacement intervals?

Also are Factory Service Manuals available any place other than ebay? Ebay & Paypal have put a bad taste in my mouth and I would prefer to avoid them if possible.

[jdmccright]

The Prizm has a belt....change interval according to the Gates website is 60k miles. Look in your Owner's Manual to verify this.

While many despise them, I find the Haynes manuals to be adequate for most simple to moderate repairs.

[gumby_ct]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

The Prizm has a belt....change interval according to the Gates website is 60k miles. Look in your Owner's Manual to verify this.

While I didn't see it before the timing belt is listed under Schedule I @60k/mi. So I assume it is a non-interference engine?

Looking thru the Owner's Manual I see the PO had timing belt replaced at 99,680 mi. so I should be good (I hope) for now, it's not quite 128k/mi yet.

[jdmccright]

Both engines offered (1.6L & 1.8L) for the Prizm for that year were non-interference engines.

[gumby_ct]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

Both engines offered (1.6L & 1.8L) for the Prizm for that year were non-interference engines.

That IS good news.

For the record this 95 Prizm LSi is a 1.8L 4spd auto cruises great on hiway but does have some noise and unstability in rear when you hit a bump in road I haven't been able to pinpoint.

Could it be a rear shock? Should I start another thread?

[Joe W]

The sound from the rear over bumps could be bushings and/or the strut bearing plates. Hope this helps

[gumby_ct]

Originally Posted by Joe W

The sound from the rear over bumps could be bushings and/or the strut bearing plates. Hope this helps

Will this be hard to check?

I don't like that the car moves sideways when hitting bumps on the hiway.

[Brian R.]

Check the sway bar bushings. They are easy to replace and are often the problem.