The car
AP1 00'
32,000 mi
K&N FIPK
Berk Test pipe
Borla Mufflers
AEM EMS

I keep the car in very good condition, change the oil frequently with Mobil 1 full synthetic.

I just installed the AEM EMS and was in the process of tuning when this noise showed up. We checked all the logging and the AFR (~12.7) and everything was in check, nothing unusual that could even possibly cause a bearing failure or something. We went WOT thru 3 gears (highest RPM 8480) then drove normally for a several minutes. Then I slowed to make a turn, heel and toe'd the downshift and when I got on the gas this noise showed up. I thought I might have heard the noise earlier but it was very faint when I think back. Pulled the dipstick found no evidence of metal.

The noise
Its a ticking type sound, lite metallic, although pretty loud. The frequency varies directly with RPM but doesnt really gain intensity with RPM. Under de-acceleration when in gear the noise completely disappears and at certain loads the noise goes nearly away. It does seem to grow in intensity with load. To me and the tuner it sounds almost like a cylinder head noise, or possibly the tensioner. It doesnt really sound knock enough to be a bearing but it could be since I have heard a spun bearing sound similar. It sounds almost like some crazy out of spec valve lash.

Do these motors have a tendency for the tensioner to fail? I would appreciate any input and will start to tear the engine apart to try and find the noise soon.

Thanks in advance

 

yes they do, keep scrolling down, im having issues with mine and i could probably say its the tensioner, im no mechanic but it seems to be a common issue, on the plus side, its 140 for the part and 20 min of labor

 

when you say tensioner, I just want to make sure we are on the same page. You are talking about the serp belt tensioner?

 

no he meens the timing chain tensioner look around on the forum
you wil find enough info i am replacing mine in a few days

grtz kristof

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=320897

 

I have similar noise and I replaced mine tensioner like a month ago, the noise still there.... hope it'll work out for you.

 

Just get a valve adjustment, if you havent done it by now then your way over due. See if that helps.

Some valvetrain noise is normal for this engine though.

 

I took my car to the dealer for this very reason yesterday. I'd have noise in the lower RPM range 1-3, and it'd be pretty loud on decel. They ordered me a new TCT, but it hasn't came in yet. I'll keep you posted!

Check youtube for similar sounds and see if it sounds like what you have.

 

I installed a new TCT this morning but the noise is still there. I am going to start in on doing a valve adjustment although i doubt its that.

Im also going to pull the oil look for metal and probably pull the pan and look for a spun bearing or something. I really dont like my car making noise, so im not going to take any chances with it.

I also know that the valve train does make some noise but this is well beyond a standard sound. This ticking is very noticeable. I read the other post about installing the TCT, but I want to double check. Replacing the TCT is a simple R&R correct? There is no priming or anything?

 

yeah i have a simlar noise too, i'm going to say that it's cuz i need an adjustment though. I replaced the tct a few days ago and it's still there.