Update:
Changed the timing chain, following instructions completely to the letter. Dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's.
It's still doing the same thing.The timing chain change made no difference at all.
I took it to another local mechanic (Rising Sun Motors) and had them look at it while they did the CASE relearn for me. They had their two most senior technicians look at my car. What are the possibilities they came up with?
1. The oil pan has a slight dent in it. This is causing the oil pickup gears to resonate throughout the engine.
2. It's definitely a moving part, WITHIN the motor.
3. It could be a piston skirt coming loose, but they quickly shot that down after they asked if I tried unplugging one spark coil at a time while the car was running to see if it made a difference in noise.
4. It can't be lifters, because my idle would be much rougher.
5. It can be rockers, valve springs, or something in the valves?
So here I am now. All this work and suffering, and back to square one.
I really don't want to give this up. It's the only car I have, and I've hit a rough financial patch, which will be MUCH worse if I don't have this car.
Another thought that I have. Could it possibly be the oil pump???
Help a buddy out.
Thanks.
