grinding noise coming from near the CAS

[questel]

There's a grinding noise coming from near the cam angle sensor. I took an engine stethoscope and listened...and it's definitely coming from that end of the head. I've replaced the cam angle sensor and it's still making the grinding noise. What does the cam angel sensor hook up to? The cam, I'm assuming? Could there be something grinding on that end? How would I go about checking it? Thanks for any help in getting to the bottom of the problem. I'm afraid to drive the car until I can figure this out!

[FunElan]

There's a bearing in the CAS. I'd be it could be that.

[questel]

That's what I thought too. That's why I replaced the whole CAS. Unfortunately, the noise continued after the replacement of the CAS. I'm thinking it might be on the other side of the CAS...where it meets the cam. How does the CAS mate up with the cam? Is there something that could cause a grinding noise on that end? Perhaps I should take the valve cover off and have a look?

[FunElan]

You could either take the CAS or the valve cover off. The CAS has 2 prongs on the end that fit into recesses in the end of the cam

[HJ2]

And you replaced the entire CAS assembly?
There is a clutch at the end of the CAS shaf that allows slight misalignment with the CAM..
There is a pin in there that sometimes breaks. But if you replaced the lot….

That leaves only the cam shaft. I can send a piccie tomorrow if that helps (from a bare camshaft and CAS clutch)

[questel]

Yes! Please do send or post the pic! That would be very helpful. I'm hoping it's not the cam! I did replace the entire CAS. I didn't know there's an adjustment to make so it corrects misalignment with the cam. I'll look into that.

[HJ2]

The unit is not adjustable, but either good or broken Usually the pin or the spring (that's all the components of the clutch actually)
Have a look at the pictures, they're pretty self explaining (well.. to me at least )

Since you replaced the entire CAS assembly (for a new one?) i follow your thoughts that this is probably not the cause of the noise… or is it?
The magnetic pickup on the CAS is quite strong! You can feel and hear each notch in the CAS wheel…
Can you listen in at another friendly LEC member in the perhaps so you can compare??





This might be the very best picture available from CAS & CAM Shaft available yet...



And you can see the last bearing of the CAM Shaft in this picture as well

[questel]

Jeeze... that's pretty simple. Those pics really do help alot. Thanks for posting. So...yep..I replaced the entire CAS. The old one had a loose pin, but didn't appear damaged other than that. Think I'll take the valve cover off and see if maybe something got into the bearing or there's metal powder or chips... signs of wear.

[HJ2]

Take the CAS off first and give it a spin whilst listening

[questel]

Good idea.... thanks for the help and I'll post the results..

[questel]

Ok...I finally got the valve cover off. Noticed three of the six interior bolts were loose! Marked the CAS position and removed it. No damage to the ears that mate with the CAS. No metal chips,gauling, or wear on the cam side. Unfortunately turned the engine with the CAS out. Any help for the idiot to reset the CAS would be appreciated!

[HJ2]

Look at the pictures above!
Look how the (assymetric) slots are oriented and rotate the CAS so it matches the slots.
Wiggle the CAS in position.
Rotate CAS till markings line up
Tighten bolt
Job finished!

[questel]

I've tried that 10 to 15 times. No go! I still have the valve cover off... would that make a difference? I also have the plastic cover off the CAS. Don't I have to have the wheel set to the right position so the magnet reads correctly? Seems that the CAS only engages in one position... so why won't it start? Ran fine before I took it out... except the grinding noise.

[HJ2]

Solved?

[questel]

Unfortunately no. I marked the CAS incorrectly and now have no idea where it belongs. How in the world does one figure out where it belongs? Set the engine to TDC or some degrees after?

[HJ2]

Unfortunately no. I marked the CAS incorrectly and now have no idea where it belongs. How in the world does one figure out where it belongs? Set the engine to TDC or some degrees after?

I will shoot some pictures for you tomorrow
It’s easy!

[TorqueHorse]

(post deleted; sorry, should have read the whole thread first)

[TorqueHorse]

(Assuming you have the CAS in place and engaged with the end camshaft)
If the engine starts, but just runs like crap, you can set/adjust the base timing (which means fine tuning the angle of the CAS) following this here http://wikilec.com/view/Base_Timing

If the engine won't start, I'd suspect one of the two sensors in the CAS isn't properly connected (or working).

[questel]

Pics would be much appreciated. I think I'll have to clear codes and put the car in diagnostic mode and set the base timing. Back to the original problem...... four of the six interior bolts holding the valve cover on were loose! I believe the valve cover was vibrating. I'll post more after I get it running again.

[questel]

Pics would be much appreciated. I think I'll have to clear codes and put the car in diagnostic mode and set the base timing. Back to the original problem...... four of the six interior bolts holding the valve cover on were loose! I believe the valve cover was vibrating. I'll post more after I get it running again.