Help: 2004 Montero Limited engine knock or tick? How bad is it it? (Video)

[jfeust]

This is my families only car right now and it just started making this noise halfway through a 10 minute drive today. I just had the transmission serviced and oil changed, and everything checked out ok. Overall it's in great shape for the 140k miles that it has. Timing belt replaced at 90k.

How bad is it? Can it be driven in this state, even just to get it to the shop? What should I be looking for/asking about when I take it to the shop?

Edit: I had a feeling that the power steering got "weaker" over the past 2 weeks. That is to say that it was harder to turn the steering wheel. I thought it was just the cold, but it could be something else?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

When and where did you have the oil/trans change done?

 

[jfeust]

When and where did you have the oil/trans change done?

Probably 3 weeks ago. An independent shop that specializes in mitsubishi's. They are well regarded and I've had the truck there a few times with good results. They know what they're doing, they know montero's, and they are honest if that's the question.

 

[plh]

oh my that is loud. timing belt tensioner perhaps?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Probably 3 weeks ago. An independent shop that specializes in mitsubishi's. They are well regarded and I've had the truck there a few times with good results. They know what they're doing, they know montero's, and they are honest if that's the question.

Noise seems louder toward the rear of the engine. Pull it in the garage and remove the dust/inspection cover between the engine and transmission and turn the flywheel with a screwdriver, you can rule out a torque converter bolt backing out and making contact, it takes about 5 minutes and is free for you to check. I know this from experience on another vehicle that made the same noise, free fixes are always the best ones if that's the issue.

 

[clmrt]

99% sure that's the valve train hitting the pistons on at least one side of the engine.

My TB tensioner broke as diagnosed by the dealer, and it was doing the same thing yours is. I could feel the PS valve cover shaking from the impacts.

Good luck, I hope it's not too costly, whatever it turns out to be.

 

[vanatee2000]

I'm sure you've checked to make sure they actually replaced the fluids? Not to say they are the kind of shop that would 'fake' an oil change, but rather thought they refilled with oil but forgot to. Just easy stuff first is my mantra. It sounds like it could be the timing belt tensioner or a major valve train issue. I'll be interested to hear what the diagnosis is. Since the timing,belt hasn't been changed for 50k miles, my bet is on the tensioner

 

[jfeust]

All fluids look fine. I don't have a garage or the time/skill to diagnose it right now.

My Top Options are:
- Stuck Lifter
- torque converter bolt backing out and making contact
- timing belt tensioner
- major valve train failure

The shop I want to take it to is literally 1.5 miles away. Am I crazy to try and limp it there or would I be risking major additional damage?

 

[clmrt]

Damage is done but gets worse. It's like being stabbed 45 times vs 54. I'm sure there's a chance the valves will start breaking, or maybe they just get bent more and more so they destroy the guides? Maybe the pistons are OK with a buff if the scoring is light, and driving it will cause them to go beyond repair and require replacement. No idea. I do know mine will get torn into if my warranty covers it.

What would a tow cost, $75?

(This is all assuming a skipped belt due to a broken tensioner)

 

[mapper]

Tow it to the independent mitsu shop that the did the most recent work. This one is easy, given they are a reputable independent mitsu shop. If the issue is related to the work they did, they'll make it right (that is one thing that makes a reputable shop). If not, they diagnose it and help you determine how to proceed (that is another thing that makes a reputable shop). They will be far more helpful than an internet forum. That said...Please keep us informed of their determination!!!

I say tow because you don't know what is wrong. It may be that the damage is done. Alternatively it may be you caught it soon enough BEFORE real damage is done.

 

[jfeust]

Tow truck is on the way. I'll let you guys know what we find out.

 

[jhill15]

Did this problem start without any warning and then constant or did it gradually get worse over time? I ask because I have a very similar noise on start up thats very random but usually when its cold out. If I turn the engine off and start it back up it goes away.

 

[jfeust]

Did this problem start without any warning and then constant or did it gradually get worse over time? I ask because I have a very similar noise on start up thats very random but usually when its cold out. If I turn the engine off and start it back up it goes away.

It started without warning but I don't think it's gotten worse. It was instantly bad enough that you wouldn't want to drive the truck anywhere. And it doesn't go away.

 

[jhill15]

Im glad you had it towed, i hope you here from the shop soon, and hopefully its nothing too bad.
Thanks jfeust for the quick reply.

 

[jhill15]

Any updates on your rig?