Noisy V-12 Engine

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06-30-2011 | 01:21 AM

S3Jag

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From: S.F.

Noisy V-12 Engine

72’ E-type series 3 has a very noisy motor. Sounds like a cement mixer, not a knocking rod bearing type sound, but more of a rattling type of sound. It seems to be constant when you rev the motor up and does fade a bit on engine deceleration but comes back very pronounced at idle. I did the basics, oil pressure test 30 psi @ idle / 60 psi @ 3000RPM, compression test (170-175 all Cyl.) Valve lash check .010” on all valves and have visually checked the oil flow @ the camshafts, all O.K. My thought is a bad chain tentioner, using a stethoscope it nosiest at the top & side at the front of the cambox on the Rt. Side. With the cam cover removed the chain seems to be taunt and the visible gears & sprockets seem to be fine. I have also removed the distributor and valley cover to check the distributor drive gears and what I can see of them they are O.K. as well, So that kind of leaves the tentioner as a default suspect. From what I have read they are not very reliable but can’t find any info on the symptoms of a bad tentioner besides a broken one and a timing chain that has jumped time with catastrophic results. My plan is for exploratory surgery to expose the tentioner, can the front timing cover be removed without pulling the motor? I have a shop manual and know there are a few special tools involved, any tips or words of wisdom?

Thank-you in advance

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