That is what my engine started to sound like today. It sounds like that at all rpms, obviously it gets a little louder higher up but not much. I checked the oil and it was half a quart down, but nothing to be concerned with.

Anyone have any ideas? I don't like it when my engine sounds like a bubble machine/popcorn popper.

Ok, imagine the sound of a coffee can that is partially filled with bolts being shook. Maybe that is a better way of describing it.

I compared it to the sound of serban's se-r with rod knock, so I don't think it's that. Anyone?

Your description sounds like detonation, but that normally doesn't happen all the time. What timing and octane gas do you use?

How about Mr. Timing Chain... My GF's benz just starting makeing a sound like that, it was nasty i was two car lengts behind here with my window up and on the cell and i could still here the damn thing all the way to here house. Her dad came down(he is a mechanic) and good old Mr. Timing Chain had blew up. Thank god no damage was done.

Yeah, I have it set to 15 degrees timing and use 87 octane. I pretty much yelled at my gf, *** she filled the tank last. I was like, what did u put in? Could the timing chain tensioner be a problem as well? I'll have to get ahold of a torque wrench.

I had the same sound, and it was from a bad injector. It did it all across the rev band. Of course it was wuite underpowered too.

I have a better description now. I checked for a bad injector by removing the plug wire, the sound remained (not as loudly though). I checked all plugs and they looked fine. It only occurs at lower rpm's. It's more pronounced as the engine decelerates.

My roommate took a listen, and in his words "that's wierd, it's deeper and less constant than a ping, almost like something is loose in there."

I'm really starting to think it's the tensioner. Anyone?

im just taking a stab in the dark...but how about detonation?i only say that bc advancing the timing and using anything but premium causes that.

Mark 95 200sx

Pull your valve cover and check to see if your cams are being lubed by the spray bars- easy to do and you can check the t-chain assy w/it off.
You might want to see if the chain is hitting the top guide(between the 2 cam gears) also- common problem w/KA24de's never heard of it doing on a SR20de though, just a suggestion.
Chris

Well, I double checked the timing, it is at 15 degrees, which is right at spec. No problem with that. I just ordered a timing chain tensioner from Brian and Courtesy. I will install that. If it doesn't work I'm gonna open her up and see what I can find.