Expert: keith - 8/25/2005

Question
This car is making irregular clacking noise in the front of the engine. I've been told could possibly be internal water pump fin breakage. Noise is not regular so I do not believe it to be major engine problem ( bearings, rods ect.. ) Removed spark plug cover and found oil on top of spark plugs on first 2 cylinders. Found oil inside cylinder one. Showing no signs of burning oil out of the tail pipe. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Rick, There is a timing chain in the front of the engine, it maybe worn too much for the tensioner to take up the slack. If it breaks it will cause major engine damage, so you should get it checked as soon as possible. Also if theres oil in the cylinder there must be something causing that also, it must have just started going in there or you would have seem smoke from the tail pipe. I hope this helps you if you need more info just let me know. Regards, Keith.