5kcstq engine rattle noise LONG

[Bernard Littau]

> My '88 5kcstq is making a noise that sounds like it is coming from the
> distributor or cam area.  It is intermittent at idle.  I haven't driven
> the car much since it was back on the road.
>
[snip]
>
> Any ideas on what to look for?
>

The hydraulic lifters are always suspect if they have not been replaced.

Also check the gears on the cam and distributor.  On mine, someone must once
have installed the distributor incorrectly, and the cam had several of the
gear teeth mangled.  When the mangled teeth touched their counterpart on the
distributor, while the engine was running, I got clicking.

Clicking due to the cam gear, on mine, was never intermittent, so I am
betting more on lifters.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq