Here's a Good one.

[boxcarlx]

Ok so driving down to the US, car started to studder and hesitate at about 2800 passing someone, but engine sounds great. Finally stop for gas after about 500 K, and notice that engine is really loud almost like tin cans knocking together. check to see if any pullies are lose and nothing all belts tight, nothing seems lose at all.. anything under about 3000 rpm or giving gas to go in first there is the studder. Now here's the kicker, Not getting and CEL, Oil is full and holding 55 PSI at idle engine is at 500 rpm no knocking odd vibrations etc.. what might this be from?

Some people have said fuel filter.. others have said sparks but if it was a spark not kicking in I would have thrown a CEL from a misfire. anything came lose in the Engine I would put something through the block by now.. what would casue the rough idle ??

[CrazyCaker]

Sticky valve maybe? Exhaust valve?

[boxcarlx]

So in other words I am gonna take my chance driving and hopefully if she blows it will be in Canada...
Figures the one time I drive down without my tools, something ***ks up Sweet.

What really gets me is no CEL. But i know the light works.. had to double check that.

[CrazyCaker]

Try some Seafoam or something to free it up... if that's what it is. I'm only guessing based on what you've already checked and the symptoms given.

[Azi]

55 psi is pretty high at idle if the engine has warmed up imo. isnt the factory spec appx 60psi @ 3000rpm?

[boxcarlx]

Yeah Sorry at 3500 RPM PSI is 55, which has been norm since I installed the gauge, and idle was still sitting around 25-30

[CrazyCaker]

That's pretty high for idle. But anyways, I doubt that's related to your current problem.

[dead_cactus]

Idle for me is around 20psi once the car is warmed up.

[boxcarlx]

Yeah the PSI has been like that for years. I am not concerned with not getting enough Oil.

[Mike_Moss]

Woah, been a while since you've posted!

[boxcarlx]

Yeah it has... Been busy. Lost interest in my car, and it was running good for a while till this hick up

[Cocco]

its definitly not the fuel filter as it does not need to be changed in our cars and its near impossible to get to anyway as it is IN the gas tank.

My guess is EGR sticking and your right if there was a Misfire or spark issue you would get a CEL and it would only hesitate at start up not while your driving

[kevcol74]

Sure its not your EGR?

[boxcarlx]

Yeah that is what i was thinking as well, I have been trying to think of problems and I can't come up with any.. only think is something came lose, but with it lose and driving for 400 -500 K it would have dislodged itself and blew my engine. I think..

I am completely stumped.

[boxcarlx]

How can I check EGR without ripping my intake and Shit off I forgot my tools at home?

[Cocco]

^ you can't really the only way to check if the valve is moving freely 100% is if your hold the EGR Valve in your hand :( and you really only need a stubby wrench either 10mm or 12mm cant remember off the top of my head

[CulRidr]

its definitly not the fuel filter as it does not need to be changed in our cars and its near impossible to get to anyway as it is IN the gas tank.

My guess is EGR sticking and your right if there was a Misfire or spark issue you would get a CEL and it would only hesitate at start up not while your driving
It could be the filter (unlikely but possible), yes it should be replaced eventually, and it's not anywhere close to impossible to get to as I can take the assembly out in 15 minutes now that I have replaced the soft screws that are prone to rusting (makeing the job a lot longer then the first time) with SS bolts.

[boxcarlx]

Say the possibility of the EGR, is it still safe to drive?

[CulRidr]

as long as you don't start getting dangerous CELs, yes.

[TheMAN]

hope its not a rod knock... CELs don't come on with a rod knock!
just keep the rpms low and limp it back so someone more knowledgeable can look at it!

[boxcarlx]

Well car made it 900 K home, still aloud ticking but home, Time to start digging around in the engine. Took it to a friend who is a tech said it sounds like my timing belt is fraying as thats where I am getting the noise from Just great.

And the studder / Jolting is it slipping... oh this is going to be a mess to clean up if it is.

[boxcarlx]

Welp Timing belt was in perfect condition, but the tensioner was gone and t looks like it was replaced before I bought the car as there was no spring attached, and no other place for it to go.. ticking was it hitting the casing and the studder was from the belt slipping.

[boxcarlx]

If anyone is looking at replacing the timing belt pulleys and the spring its $135 from Dayco, without the belt. Still under 200 though.

Part number is 84083