Knocking sound on idle

[Restless 33]

just wondering if anyone else has a knocking sound on there car while it idles. i'm looking at buying a car that does...apparently had it for past 10,000km drives really well. i've read past posts and people say it goes away when u press the clutch but i havent tried this as i dind't think of that when i checked it out. it's like a rhythmic knocking sound. it got checked by RACV comprehensive check and they said they couldn't tell me wat it was without removing the whole thing and they weren't aloud to do that coz i don't own the car. any help on wat it could be and how expensive it wud be to fix would be great. thanks

[mickr33]

I had a smillar noise on idle which came from the timing case. Took it some where and was told it was probably the belt. It did in fact work out to be the belt (timing belt) which was loose causing it to knock on the cover. They replaced the belt and tensioner and cost $500. Nearly asked for an ambulance mind you. F---in rip off.

[Restless 33]

wat gets me is that the RACV comprehensive mechanic check couldn't tell me wat it was...without taking removing belt/s to locate. they said it was coming from the drive belt area...is that the same as u???

[mickr33]

I believe when he says drive belt i think he is relating to the timing belt.

[Restless 33]

probably but the report says something bout having to "remove belt/s to locate"...u think he means that it could be that...probably some stupid old man mechanic who doesn't know wat a skyline is...i'm jsut really worried i'm gonna buy this thing with ll my money and end up having to shell out another $1,000 to fix it. how much should i pay for a timingblet change in Melb. the clock says 85,000kms so maybe/most likely wound back and is due for timingblet change as it hasn't been done and the cars been here for 2 years...so

[mickr33]

I was worried about buying my car too at the time so i took my mate who is a mechanic. He could only see the basics ie wierd noises, panel damage etc. Good idea to try and get somebody who actually knows about skylines because my friend didn't see a couple of things. EG the aircon belt was missing ended up costing 1000 for complete new system. And the timing belt soon after. Car had 60000km on it when i bought it but somehow dont believe it. As i said you did the right thing by getting an RACV check but if you know someone who knows about skylines get them to check it out.

[mickr33]

As for timing belt cost. The belt $100 The tensioner $90-100. And about 3 to 4 hours labour max. So anywhere from 50-70 roughly per hour. I would have gone somewhere else but the work shop just took it upon themselves to do the work then tell me it was ready. Oh yeah was told the timing belt is the same as a VL. But double check.

[mickr33]

If you want to Know who i took it too, but would never again PM me and i will also suggest who you should try.

[Restless 33]

thanks so much for ur help... is there any way i can check if it's gonna be the timing belt. like a test or something. i think everything else on the car is alright...cept for a few minor problems...water gettin into the boot...panels got repaired except they didn't replace the rubber properly. basically just little things afta that. i'll see how it goes.

[mickr33]

Apart from actually taking the cover no test really apart from putting your ear to it and also putting your hand on the cover. Mine actually went away when slightly reved so try that.