Hello,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTfdHwvc8PE&context=C3ddb8c1ADOEgsToPDskL0Yg_J8FYgzv3wHEX9SrjK

I got a major service done including timing belt last month. Initially everything was good. But of lately (this week) I have experienced a bit of start up problems. Today the engine would crank but not start up. The yellow engine light was on and usually it goes off in a couple of seconds but now its around 30 secs. After the light goes of the car starts. When checked under bonet i started hearing a strange noise (Youtube link) which was not there before.

What might the problem be? Do you guys think the sound and star tup problem is linked? The car is 1997 TE exec 3.0l Auto and it has done 215000kms.

Thanks in advance :)

I had a (sort of) similar issue with my TH Exec http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydSD6SB34SE

It seemed to possibly be a timing belt bearing, however it turns out the guy I bought it from (or possibly before that) didn't put the bolts back in the distributor properly. This caused the cam shaft to have some movement and in turn was grinding against the head.

So get a mechanic (a decent one, not a retard like those at my local car dealerships) to check both these, or do it yourself if you know your way around these parts.

A good way of narrowing it down is to grab a long screwdriver, and place the metal end on the black cover of the timing belt, and place your ear on the handle. It will act as a magnifier and you will instantly know if it's the timing belt.

Not a happy noise. Take it back to whoever did the belt and get them to listen to it.

I could be completely completely wrong but that sounds very similar to the sticky tappet's i had a few weeks back before i changed my oil, did an oil flush and then ran lifter cleaner through in the new oil...solved mine straight away.

sounds like a similar noise but yet again could be completely wrong

timing belt tensioner slacking off normally the belt slaps the cover making a louder tapping noise, This is a common problem get it seen to asap

Thanks for the reply guys. Not a good sound indeed. I am planning to take it back to the guy who did the job. Regarding start up problem... here's the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDH544PltgI&context=C3ddb8c1ADOEgsToPDskL0Yg_J8FYgzv3wHEX9SrjK ).

At 0.45 secs in the video i change the side of the key, hence the noise. what may be a cause of this? Do you guys think that it may be related? When i did the service the guy had told me that there are a couple of oil leaks which i dint sort out then. Is the yellow engine warning light due to low engine oil? or perhaps due to key. I read in some other topic in this forum that a problem with the immobilizer can also cause a crank but no start up issue. Is this why the light goes off when i change the side of the key?

I hope this issue doesn't cost me a fortune. The last service including timing belt and tyres cost me $ 1650!! Lastly could you guys please recommend any skilled and trustworthy mechanic in Melbourne inner north Coburg etc.

Thanks heaps

Is the noise only there when at idle? Does it only happen when warm? What happens as you rev the car, does the noise get faster?

that sounds like a timing belt that is frayed or slack, pull the covers and check for obvious signs. the starting prob sounds like the timing is out. hard to tell from you tube, but i would take it back to the repairer and get it seen too, for free!

Dizzy