Help Re: scratchy sound coming from engine?

[hutch555]

Guys, my engine was running great. I got home, answered some emails and then started my car up and a loud scratchy sound is coming from my engine. Is this a chain tensioner, vanos? Man, luckily I have AAA and I am towing it down to my indy. What is it and is this hard to fix? Help..

[paanta]

"Scratchy sound"? I know nothing about the M50, but bad VANOS doesn't sound super scratchy from what I know. It's likely that you'll need to be a bit less vague in your description. Does it go away after you start the engine or is it always there? Is it running ok?

It's very possible you're just being a hypochondriac. Hopefully. :)

[hutch555]

The engine was as quiet as a mouse and now a sound of like marbles in a tin can? What could it be? The engine is not overheating, etc..

[russiankid]

Have you tried listening where the noise is coming from? It could be anything from the VANOS unit to the timing chain to the lifters to the belt pulleys to the alternator to the water pump...we need info.

[hutch555]

It's not the water pump or belt tensioner. I believe it's the vanos or the chain tensioner, but I don't know. Just came up with those from doing research.. Are the vanos and chain tensioner hard to fix. I have a good indy that charges me less than other indy's or the dealer. Is this going to cost a lot of money?

[russiankid]

Vanos is easy, timing chain is not so easy.

[hutch555]

How is vanos easy? What do you do?

[paanta]

Looks like lots of good info here: http://www.drvanos.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=15

[uk525td]

wow i love this problem fixing with no other information than a scratchy sound, then narrow it down by deciding how hard a job is, too hard.. cant be the problem :P
to be fair until you narrow it down to a specific area from the engine bay you havent got much hope....
have you checked for twigs etc around hte accesory belt? fan rubbing on the shroud yada yada

[slocar]

You have a DJ hiding under there?

[zubbie]

Rats or mice trying to escape?

[BigM62]

Is your cat missing?

[93FIM5]

Sad thing is Ive seen what happens when a cat gets stuck inside a engine bay. Its very possible it could be the VANOS unit with the way your describing it but I would check with the E36 guys and see what else it could be, maybe post a running video.