Just looking for sonera pointers. my Neon is making a sputter/tapping sound. I know that on a cold start that it takes a few minutes to go away but its not that, my sound is constant and faster when I accelerate. my mechanic said it may be my belts possibly my pully or tensioner any other possibilities??

 

How many miles are on it? Has the timing belt been replaced? It could be the timing belt tensioner pulley too.

 

That's what I figured it might be I'm gonna give it a shot Ill keep it updated

 

If the timing belt has been changed already, I would make sure it's not the serpentine belt tensioner first.

The easy way to do that is to remove both drive belts but, remove one at a time so if the sound is gone you know witch one is doing it.

If you remove both belts and the sound is still there then you know the problem is the timing belt tensioner or something else.

If the sound is not from any of the above then I would check the water pump.

Or if the sound is from the engine try changing the oil with maybe an additive.

 

Thank you I appreciate the advice Im gonna jump on it asap

 

Thinking its worn rod bearings any pointers on how to replace them? Is it a do it myself job or would I be better off taking it to my mechanic?

 

Rod bearings requires you to generally pull the engine and rebuild. They typically get louder as the engine warms up and not the other way around.



Sounds more like a valve train noise to me.