Timing Belt Ticking

[SocalianSD]

Like the the title says, i have a very audible ticking coming from my T-belt cover. I replaced my water pump about 2 weeks ago but i didn't replace the belt/tensioner because they're only a year old and have maybe 8k on it. Soo my question to you guys is what in the name of budha could cause a ticking noise in the timing belt assembly? I just went out there and listened around in my engine bay with a big extension and it is most definitely coming from the cover. Any help would be appreciated. :)

[ak-]

Your valves need an adjustment?

[SocalianSD]

I dont think so.... i put the extension up against that rubber dust cover on the back of the timing belt assembly and its really loud when i do that... but when i put it on my valve cover the ticking is very faint.

[jlevie]

You need to pull the covers and have a look. The first thing that comes to mind that would cause a ticking from that area would be belt separation with a piece of belt slapping on something. If which case the belt must be immediately replaced.

[SocalianSD]

Thanks for the input.

Also its intermittent, I just drove my car around the block and it wasn't making the ticking when i started it up.

If it is like you said Jlevie and the belt is frayed, would that be possible with such a young belt? When i did my water pump the belt looked brand new.

EDIT

When i had the covers off a couple of weeks ago the belt was covering only about 2/3 of the cam sprocket and i thought that was odd... Could that be a clue to anything?

[jlevie]

When i had the covers off a couple of weeks ago the belt was covering only about 2/3 of the cam sprocket and i thought that was odd... Could that be a clue to anything?

That isn't right and is a serious cause for concern. My first suspicion would be the tensioner.

[SocalianSD]

Thanks for your help JLevie. Well it looks like im going to be taking everything apart again... Also i noticed i have the 2 piece crank at the bottom that requires a special tool to get the belt off. Is there an alternative to getting the belt off? I have a 89 325is.

Edit

Or am i wrong and read misinformation?

[siggy]

I have a strong suspicion that you are 1 tooth off on your cam timing. When you pull off the cover, rotate it 2 complete revolutions and make certain that it is exactly on the index mark. Ask me how I know....

[SocalianSD]

So your thinking since the belt isnt on all the way it could have skipped a tooth?

[MonkeyMadness]

I had the same problem, it's the plastic cover on the intake side the inner part is hitting you'll have to ajust it... I removed it all together.. it was just easier..

[SocalianSD]

^^
Are you talking about the rubber dust cover?

EDIT

I just went out and yanked that cover off and started the old girl up, its not making the ticking anymore. Lets hope it stays that way.

[MonkeyMadness]

^^
Are you talking about the rubber dust cover?

EDIT

I just went out and yanked that cover off and started the old girl up, its not making the ticking anymore. Lets hope it stays that way.

yep glad I could help!:mrgreen:

[SocalianSD]

yep glad I could help!:mrgreen:

LOL, actually it started back up again.

[lennon]

you oughtta listen to Jlevie and check your tensioner and belt. if it was only covering part of the sprocket, you already have one problem that needs addressing, and you'll probably find the cause of your ticking sound.

[SocalianSD]

Im doing my timing belt tomorrow.