M30 timing chain on it's last leg?

[Garageaholic]

I think I know what the rattling in the front of my M30 engine is. I think it's the timing chain. The tensioner is not bad, I know that.

What could possibly be rattling around in there? My engine sputters and has No power, could it be that the gear skipped a tooth? could the chain be too loose?

[george graves]

You've got to drop the pan to get to the pump. I believe later m30 moters had a better chain tension-er.

I think you can even upgrade a later motor to a new style system - what;s clicking? Sure it's not valves/injectors?

[Garageaholic]

George, I think I found the chattering sound in the front of my engine. I believe it solves all of my problems.

The reference sensor on my front flywheel was loose and the flywheel teeth were grinding into it making a "groove". That not only caused the grinding/chattering sound that I heard from the front of the engine, but it also solves the sputtering, hesitation problem that i have. Not to mention, that also explains the inconsistency problem that made it hard to pinpoint.

I'm going to get a new reference sensor and hook everything back up. Hopefully everything will work like it should.

I'll update with what's going on soon, but I really hope that was it. The sensor is shot and I need a new one. Hope this explains the problem!

Any thoughts?

[Garageaholic]

Time for a new sensor...

Here are some pics (from my phone) of my reference sensor. I'd say that the groove is at least 1/32" deep. It's made it's way through the actual inductor inside the sensor. Take a look. i definitely need a new one.

[george graves]

that sensor is REALLY sensitive - the wires are brittle - and dropping it can break it. New might be pricy - try a good used one...