TIMING GEAR NOISE/KNOCK 2.5L INFORMATION

MODELS AFFECTED: 2.5L, L-4 Engines

The following information will outline characteristics of timing gear noise and assist in diagnosis.

TIMING GEAR NOISE - Loose or improperly seated timing gears are usually loudest when warm. They are speed sensitive only, not load sensitive. Cam gear noise will be evident at a warm idle and sounds much like a loose timing chain noise. Removing drive belts and placing a sounding device on the timing pointer will give definite indication of timing gear noise.

Timing gear noise is most audible at 800 rpm. It can be heard the loudest at the timing gear cover and at the oil pan between #3 and #4 cylinders.

If an engine noise has been diagnosed as timing gear related, the following procedure for checking timing gear backlash should be followed.

1. Remove rocker arm cover and loosen all rocker arm retaining nuts on pre-1981 vehicles and shouldered bolts on 1981 and later model vehicles.

2. Remove timing gear cover.

3. Check camshaft end clearance to determine if gear is fully seated. End clearance should be .0015" to .0050".

4. With a magnetic dial indicator positioned on the front face of the engine block, place the dial indicator on one tooth of the camshaft gear.

5. Rotate the camshaft gear back and forth. Camshaft gear backlash should not exceed .006".

6. If camshaft end clearance exceeds .0050" or gear backlash exceeds .006" in the above checks, the timing gear should be replaced.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.