Help! Auto mechanics

D

David W. Richardson

Chapelgrove Films
My 2000 Saturn LW Wagon (V6) started making a loud rattly/grindy noise in the engine a couple days ago. (To hear the noise, go to www.chapelgrovefilms.com/saturn_noise.html)

The oil level is fine. Power steering fluid is a little below "MIN". There's no way to check the transmission fluid -- a mechanic has to do that.

The noise seems to be coming from the left side of the engine, where the belts are -- but I can't be totally sure of that.

I have to drive this car 70 miles a day to and from work. I can't afford to have it die on me.

Any ideas or suggestions, before I go to the mechanic?

Thanks!
 
Either the water pump or the timing chain. And what do you mean a mechanic has to check the tranny fluids? There should be a dipstick hidden somewhere. If you can't find it using the owner's manual, the dipstick will be in the factory designing their engines.
 
Dipstick is driver's side near the firewall. The dipstick handle may be yellow.
Timing chains on Saturns are famous to give up at around 50000 mls.
If it only slips it can produce the sounds you say, if it brakes it ruins your engine (there goes about $ 4000 )

I´m almost sure it´s the tensioner guides. If you hear a noise and the engine is out of time you are getting a code 53 on the diagnostic machine. This most likely means that your tensioner guides are gone. They cost about $30 for both

oh, by the way:

Any US resident who has experienced a Saturn L Series timing chain failure should definitely file a complaint with the NHTSA at the following link. They are investigating the scope of this problem now.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Frank
 
Yeah, if the timing chain goes, it is likely to take out the valves, possibly damage the pistons, and you are looking at having to rebuild the entire engine.
 
I was afraid it might be the timing chain or something related. The car has 117,000 miles on it.

Both the owner's manual and the Haynes Repair Manual say you can't check the transmission fluid yourself -- a mechanic has to do it. The yellow dipstick on the left side is to check the oil.

My mechanic is about 3 miles away. Safe to drive it there? Or should I have it towed?

Thanks for the advice folks!
 
For goodness sake - Tow it!

You will bite in your own arse if you turn it into a expensive boat anchor on those 3 miles.

Frank
 
Well folks, had the car towed to the mechanic. He says it's a bad bearing in the water pump. He's also going to replace the timing belt while he's in there. Total cost -- around $450.

Thanks for all the help!
 
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