SL1 Engine Getting Louder

[tsutton]

I have a 99 SL1. The engine is getting noticable louder the more I drive it. It has 100,000 miles on it and I have always maintained the vehicle as per the manufacturers reccommendations. Can anyone help me identify why the engine is getting louder?

[Schoolbuilderbob]

My 97 SW2 was loud when I bought it (with 73,000 miles on it). A lot of noise was coming from the passenger side of the engine. I finally decided that it was the timing chain and associated components. I replaced the chain, cam sprockets, crankshaft sprocket, guides, and tensioner. I did it myself at a cost of about $200 for the parts. It took me about 12 to 14 hours. I could have had it done at the dealer for about $800.

Now the engine is as quiet as it was when it was new.

[mysatilac]

Hey all,
Check all your fluids if you haven't already... low oil (clicking around the valves) or low power steering fluid, bad timing chain and related components or bad belts make for a loud engine,
Might try posting what kind of noise it is (clicking, grinding, rubbing, squeaking, etc.) and where or under what conditions it occurs.(all the time, acceleration, idle, etc.)
Post as specifically as you can for an acurite diagnosis.
At +100,000 miles you may have piston rings going out *Hope not*, but this would normally result in loss of oil due to burning it up,

SchoolBuilderBob You spent ~$200 dollars for a quiter engine...? I wouldn't have unless it was unbelievably annoying and loud, Spend that money on a system to drown out the noise...

But in general you can go to an auto repair shop and ask them to diagnose what the problem is for low to no cost, just be sure to tell them something like "I don't have money on me RIGHT NOW," and/or "I may come back tomorrow, if its something serious,"
But that will normally get them to give it a look and tell you what they think.

Sorry, Sound problems are hard to diagnose without actually hearing them...I wish I could be everywhere, lol
Good Luck with your problem,

[sierrap615]

with 100k on the clock, the sound could be anything, but the timing components would be a good place to start, if the sound is like a rattle(some people say its sounds like a diesel, i don't think it does) then its the chain, or if it is more of a ticking noise, its the valves(more likey a sign of a oil problem). or like in my case its both, i postponed the timing chain repair as long as i could, now the chain has caused a oil problem hence valve noise.

[tsutton]

Thank you everyone for your replies...

In response to "What kind of noise is the engine making?" it is not so much a new sound (ticking, knocking, pinging...) the usual engine noise is just getting louder. I would assume this will turn into a more defined sound as the condition gets worse.

The engine is not noticeable noisyer at idle, but as soon as you hit the gas you need to crank up the radio to drown out the loud engine. It is constantly noisy during acceleration and steady speeds.

[cbeck]

just a thought, you sure the gasket is not bad on the exaust or intake manifold or maybe a slowly rusting muffler?

[mysatilac]

just generally getting louder as it gets older huh

good suggestion, check your exhasust system well for holes or leaks, and if not, then I again make the suggestion of seeking free help, stop by an auto repair shop you trust and ask them to just take a look, and assure them that you will come back if it is something in need of immediate attention. Then you get a trustworthy diagnosis, and can seek help on something more specific...
Keep us posted as you make your final diagnosis, I'm interested in seeing what was going on here, almost as much as you are,
A quick post is a good post

[tsutton]

Well I took it in to my mechanic this morning. (good guy, I've known him for a while). I'll post the results when he lets me know the what the cause is. Thank you for the helpful posts.

[tsutton]

Well stupid me... It's the front passenger side wheel bearing and not the engine after all. Whew, at least that's a cheaper fix than engine work.

Thanks for all the great replies!

[mysatilac]

I'm satisfied,
glad to see it worked out for you,

Post again if more problems are found,