03 r53

1st video is a cold start. Rattle is always there on a cold start. Goes away in like 2-4 seconds

2nd video is holding the throttle. Rattle sound is always there, but not at every rpm. I usually hear the rattle at about 2,500-3,500 rpm. I want to fix this🙂

Any input is welcome!!

 

The infamous death rattle? A little difficult to hear through the crappy speakers on my device.
I had it once and it went away after replacing the belt tensioner and upgrading to an ATI super damper.

 

I'll look into the belt tensioner. My car does have an ATI super damper.

 

does not come through on video.

the belt tensioner seems like a good thing to try

get one of these and go searching: https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...691.html?gQT=1

Obvi: dont stick that in the wrong place with the engine running

 

If it is the timing chain tensioner, is that a big job?

Thank you all for the help!

 

It's not a big job but fiddly as the chassis leg is in the way.

Steps to replace would be:

1. Remove inner wheel arch liner
2. Remove engine ground strap
3. Disconnect the black engine vapor can thingy (don't know the official name)
4. Tension the tensioner and lock it with a pin
5. Remove belt
6. Remove 3(?) 10mm bolts that hold the tensioner inplace
7. Do the reverse with new part

I think the original tensioner was made by SKF but the thing that rattles would be a damper made by Stabilo. Since I'm in Europe I was able to just replace the damper for like $10.

 

Wrong tensioner. He's talking about the timing chain tensioner, not the belt tensioner. EZ job. Just unbolt from the backside of the block, install the new one. Plenty of threads and YouTube on this. "Search" is your friend.

 

I was thinking: If I have to get to the timing chain, to change the timing chain tensioner, I might put a bigger cam. It currently has a shrick cam.

 

You are right, my bad.

The timing chain tensioner is on the back of the block, below the oil filter housing. It's literally one big bolt to undo.

The timing chain itself isn't that hard to do either, just a lot more work. It involves removing the engine mount, valve cover, crank pulley and timing chain cover. Timing the engine is very easy as there is just one cam and crank sprocket and the marks are easily readable.

My advice would be, before you do any of this, to pull the oil pan and check for timing chain guide debris. The guides are made of plastic and can break into pieces. Then the chain can be slapping around. Although that sound should be far more noticeable in your videos.

 

I will pull the oil pan 1st! Good suggestion.

 

New tensioner is in. Still has the same as I stated in my first post. Perhaps a new bent tensioner and idler will cure it.

 

From what sounds to me in the 2nd video - My guess would have been the belt tensioner.
Tedious but simple job.
I am no ace mechanic, but I'd heard that noise before.
I too opted to replace just the damper/shock for $20 and while I was at it; I also replaced/upgraded the small rubber bushings with powerflex.
In my case, I was right on the money - the rattle went away.

 

New timing chain tensioner and new belt tensioner

The real cause, intercoooler cover is rattling.

 

well I must admit - That IS a new one for the books.
to be sure
New parts thrown at it can't hurt (but the wallet)...
Glad you figured it out.

 

Learning experience as well!!