V6 Sounds Like Thrashing Machine (Page 1/1) rehoward JUL 21, 03:18 PM New guy here, I recently bought a 1986 Fiero with the 2.8 V6 and 4 spd manual trans. It wasn't running when I towed it home but I got it started a few days ago and the engine ran very poorly. inconsistant idle, missing on cyclinders off and on, and it made a peculiar noise like a thrashing machine. No knocking or valve ticking just a general din of confusing mechanical noise. Is this what the engine really sounds like? I thought maybe all the valves needed adjusting or maybe the timing chain is shot. I think the missing is due to a faulty ignition system so I bought new rotor and cap, new coil, and new spark plugs for it, yet to be installed. But the mechanical din it makes baffles me. The PO said the clutch disc was shot but I wouldn't think that would make any noise. Any ideas? Randy Patrick JUL 21, 03:57 PM quote Originally posted by rehoward: ...made a peculiar noise like a thrashing machine. Are you sure your Fiero doesn't have the 2.5 4 cyl duke? The 2.8 V6 actually sounds pretty smooth when maintained and running properly. rehoward JUL 21, 08:53 PM Absolutely the V6 engine. Would a timing chain make a thrashing sound? Are the lifters hydraulic and self adjusting? Patrick JUL 21, 10:47 PM quote Originally posted by rehoward: Are the lifters hydraulic and self adjusting? They're hydraulic, but not "self adjusting". quote Originally posted by rehoward: Would a timing chain make a thrashing sound? Pretty difficult for anyone who hasn't heard this sound to guess what it is. Almost everyone has a cell phone that shoots video. Record some footage of this engine running, upload it to YouTube, and link to it here.