1999 Pontiac Bonneville timing chain maybe.

1999 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
184,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DANIEL3SIMONS
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
I hear a kind of ticking sound on passenger side of the engine near the belts top side, also car does not seem to be properly getting power, sometimes downshift on hills and almost like I can feel a surge while driving at times, sometime when step on gas the car has power and other times it does not?
Dec 17, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
spray belt with water if ticking stops replace belt an dtensioner. scan for codes and check fuelpressure first with a gauge
Dec 18, 2013 at 7:53 AM
Avatar
DANIEL3SIMONS
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Ok so its not the belt tried that, fuel pressure is fine, had another guy listen to the engine and he said same thing, sounds like the timing chain is loose and hitting the housing, do you know what signs to look for if timing chain is going out or if tranny is going out? Thank you.
Dec 18, 2013 at 9:42 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
if a timing chain is going out it' usually starts hard or long crank times, sometimes will do what you are complaining about as well as having low compression on ALL cylinders like 90 psi instead of 120 or so. with your mileage it would be ok to replace it. Your dampner is probabl worn out anyhow..... see pic.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Dec 18, 2013 at 9:50 AM
Avatar
DANIEL3SIMONS
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Thank you for the help, it does take many cranks to start and especially when its cold. What all parts should a guy replace?
Dec 18, 2013 at 10:29 AM
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
normally gaskets, chain and gears for chain as well as dampner
Dec 18, 2013 at 11:59 AM