Timing chain

[climberman]

I bought a used trooper 1996 it has 106000 miles on it. It runs great but I think the guy would go out and start it up before I would get there and drive it because after I got home the next day I started it and there is a ticking noise at the front of the motor. It doesn't last long I think it is a timing chain noise. Any Ideas and can I change the timing chain myself?

[boritz]

This must be one of the most frequently posted questions

It sounds like you are describing the failure/weakening of the timing belt hydraulic tensioner (or pusher).

The Isuzu V6 uses a belt (not a chain).

The following link has much info - just be sure that you note that there are some differences between setting the cam timing marks on the SOHC and DOHC motors - otherwise everything else is pretty much the same http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=16972

Here's my SOHC how-to: http://forum.australia4wd.com/index.php?showtopic=7463

Download also available at http://www.datazap.net/sites/Austral..._Pump_rev2.pdf

Also search the Isuzu forum site(s) for tensioner or pusher.

All the best

[climberman]

Thanks alot man, I guess I will be changing it myself even the parts look costly

Rocky

[boritz]

No worries mate - you're welcome.

Just another thought - I re-read your first post and noticed that you said the ticking noise goes away. The 3.2 V6 is prone to hydraulic valve lifter noise - somewhat like the sound of a diesel motor. Can be minimized by regular quality oil changes. Timing-belt tensioner noise reduces as the revs increase.

Back to the timing-belt: the recommended replacement schedule is around 100,000 miles, so if yours hasn't been done yet it is due anyway.

Replace the belt, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, hydraulic pusher, and water-pump - all of which are in the belt drive-train.

[climberman]

I have 107,000 mile so I am going to change everything and the oil it looks pretty dirty. I don't think it has been changed in a while so I will change that and see what happens. A mechanic told me that if you break a timing belt you will bend the valves. Have you heard anything about that happening? It may be a week before I can get to it.

[boritz]

The 3.2V6 is a non-interference engine (the pistons will not clash with the valves regardless of cam/crank timing). You need not worry about valve damage if the belt breaks.

It could possibly damage the plastic covers if it did break.

[climberman]

Thanks man, I appreciate the all the help.