Help Diagnose this Noise

[Eurospec]

On startup every now and then, the engine makes an odd noise. It flippin sounds like a diesel. The noise usually persists until I turn the engine off, however there have been times where it has disappeard. Check it out: Audio File

What could the problem be?

[Stu]

If not the timing chain tensioner, my next guess would be a worn guide/rail. When mine was worn and about the break (the rail), my M42 sounded just like yours.

[AdamF 88iS]

Is your oil full?

[Eurospec]

Is your oil full?

Just checked it yesterday and its at a normal level.

Again, this doesn't occur on every single startup.

[Stu]

on cold starts? hot starts?

[Eurospec]

on cold starts? hot starts?

Cold

[Stu]

probably chain tensioner

[E30Driv3R]

Just checked it yesterday and its at a normal level.

Again, this doesn't occur on every single startup.

Ive had the same problem and i think it is the tensioner, atleast for me try it, but always check the oil if that noise persists, that was another problem of mine .

[Jon '92 325ic]

Have you replaced your timing belt recently?

[Eurospec]

Not sure if the chain was ever replaced. I should get it checked out.

[The Fast One!]

DUDE DON'T drive your car anymore!!!!!!!!

you could kill someone that is standing close by whenever your driving or just standing around!
you guys don't know what that is.
it's your muffler bearing man!!!!

wow thats an expensive fix too it's cost me like 400 dollars to fix it......

[hamann318is]

I'm willing to bet it's the tensioner too. Mine sounded just like that when I fixed the head and got a new tensioner before the tensioner filled with oil.

[RobertK]

Sounds just like my roomates old bimmer.. it too was a timing chain tensioner.

[Eurospec]

Guess I'm not the only one. Thanks for the input!

[bddog]

Adjust those valves! Sounds like the propeller in the water pump is grinding metal. That bearing or maybe the one in the power steering or the alternator could be shot.
Use a short stick to your ear to locate the noise.Then you will know. Be carefull!