roadsession

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_x7-SShft4

PLS tell me it's not !

ivangene

if it is you have only seconds till its GAME OVER - where is the noise coming from? - there are other things it could be but you have to be very careful running it... it might be savable if it is as long as you dont keep running it

could also be something else.. I would have it flatbed trailered to my shop and DO NOT RESTART

roadsession

It is a clacking sound - intermittent. It is the first cold morning of the season, the engine was not yet warmed up...

ivangene

I hope its something else, I have listened a few times and cannot issolate it...only those who have experienced the IMS failure know what "marbles in a can" sound like....maybe they can help - I would not run it

ivangene

could be an broken water pump impeller - is your antifreeze good for the temp?

ivangene

sounds like timing chain(s) slapping around... but its really tough to tell... seems pretty loud because the video was from inside the car?

roadsession

I put the camera under the car...

ivangene

is it louder towards the middle of the car or the rear? (IMS would be near the transmission, waterpump on the rear bumper)

could also be the throwout bearing - if you press the clutch and it goes away, but with that noise I would be very reluctant to restart it to check

chsu74

Clacking is sticky valves from first start in the morning. I have that sound and is smoother/less clacking at high idle (1200 RPM). Once the SAI shuts down and idle goes to normal (750 RPM), then the noise is more noticeable. my engine is at 95K miles.

Your sound is not rhythmic so I don't think its valves or IMS. Can be a loose clip or something else. Idler pulley? Cars make strange noises in the winter when cold. Does it still make that sound after a 30 min drive?

Pac996

The best possibility is its was the engine crackling from heating up like you would hear the opposite when hot things crackle when cooling. Your car is making less noise than I do when waking up inthe morning. This doesn't say much since I'm in a horrible condition right now

Eharrison

It sounds like it's really slapping around in there. Doesn't sound like broken bits but a loose bit....
I wouldn't rely on an internet round table to figure this one out.

chris walrod

That was my first reaction to hearing the noise.

Replacing the chain guides and installing the IMS bearing update isnt really that difficult. If one is able to drop the engine, changing the guide ramps and the IMS bearing is very possible.

ohdavey6286

I have a slight rattle sometimes as well. I think mine is an exaust shield or bracket.

ivangene

yea, as Chris and Ed said, get it to a shop...

If its chain slapping that "could be" due to ims shaft being off center OR just missing/worn cam chain tensionet pads... maybe even a cam actuator not actuating and the top cam chain is bouncing a little... at any rate if it is a chain bouncing there is a high possablility it could jump timing then you have a real issue - again, flatbed it to the shop, hopefully you have a really great shop who is familliar with M96's and knows they can be fixed and not just thrown away

My thoughts are with you today, I am hopeful this is a simple fix. i feel your stress and am routing for a possitive outcome

ivangene

yours is a 3.6? the actuator theory is out... that would be more for a 3.4

as Ed said, soumething sounds loose and bouncing about/slapping hitting on occation...this is not a heat shield or a warm up crackling