troubleshooting strange noise, help!

[nicgarvin]

I am a new owner of a '94 L400 and loving it. But I am concerned about a noise coming from under the hood that is only present when the engine is working hard, like revving at 3 1/2-4 grand. It sounds kind of like a small choo choo train under the hood. It's subtle but very noticeable. Sounds almost like some sort of rubbing. I have been checking my fan and belts and everything looks good. I've tried to observe it as well but it will not make the noise while simply revving, it has to be under load (driving). Any ideas about what this might be?


Thanks

[nxski]

Do you drive between 3500-4000 very often? My rule of thumb is not to let it get above 3500 on uphills and to try to keep it below 2500-3000 on flats / downhills. As for the sound, can you describe it in a bit more detail? Where you think it's coming from, does it actually go "choo choo choo choo..." or is it more of a "choooooooooooo" ? It's hard to play these "guess that sound" games without a lot of details.

[psilosin]

Look up posts on L400 timing chain by jfarsang from a year or two ago. I recall the choo-choo train sound is indicative of the timing chain needing adjustment/replacement.

[psilosin]

Here is the post I was mentioning:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/2-8-timing-c ... ming+chain

[nicgarvin]

Sweet thanks a lot guys. I think you nailed it. That video really helped. It sounds just like that. Im going to replace my timing chain and see if that solves it. I've been told they need replacing at 100,000KM anyway (I don't know for sure), and it just ticked over.



I found a timing chain kit for $300 out of Rocky mountain imports, do you think this is a reasonable price for the chain, tensioner, and guides?

[nicgarvin]

OK starting to figure this site out a bit.
I found the thread from '09 and I am positive that my '94 L400 needs a new timing chain, I just wish that mitsubishi had replaced the recalled chain before I got the van.