Knock, Knock

[rix444]

'95, 3100 v-6. I'm using the terms knocking for lack of a better word. This engine, when I can get it started, sounds like it's going to blow up. There's knocking at the bottom and top, Sometimes it stops for a couple seconds, then moves. It's all over. Is it possible that the timing has 'slipped'? Haven't been into the engine yet, so I don't know if it's gear, belt or chain drive timing. Is there a way to check that doesn't involve pulling half the engine apart? Since it's sitting sideways, I see no way of getting at the timing cover. There was always a little noise, but this is something that developed quickly.

On a side note...oil pressure dash guage reads real low. I want to test with a mechanical guage. Where's the oil pressure output point and what readings should I expect?

Thanks.

[ENGGUY]

Sounds like the bearings are going out.
Quick check is drain the oil and look for metal particles etc.

[rix444]

Already did and no metal. This happened almost over night. Can the timing 'jump' in this engine?

[tenspeed]

It sounds like a worn timing chain has jumped a tooth. I had the same thing happen to my Jeep V8. It was hard to start and had no power. I don't know if your engine has a chain. I know the four bangers use chains.

You may be able to check it by removing a valve cover and as many of the spark plugs as you can. Rotate the engine by hand and see where the valves are at top dead center.

[nice96gt]

Just before my engine went, I had a knocking like crazy. It turned out to be a spun bearing, which caused loss of oil pressure which snapped the cam shaft and screwed the block. If you have low oil pressure than you may be on the same path that I was on... :(

When I stepped on the gas the car had no acceleration at all. I also didn't know there was low oil pressure at the time since I don't have a stock gauge until the dummy light came on and by that time it was too late.