Update: Just talked to the dealer, after first telling me that they think it is an internal problem, now they are going back and saying they think it is the timing belt tensioner, which is under warranty. So if that is the case, they said all I would need to pay is for the cost of the belt, $60.

This actually may work out well for me, the car is nearing 60K miles and is due for a new timing belt, so it looks like I may get a new timing belt installed for only $60.

On the bad side of it, if they get in there and find that the tensioner is okay, then I have to pay the $500 for the labor and cost of installing a new timing belt. And it would still leave me with the problem of the engine knocking noise.

So my fingers are crossed.

 

its the tensioner.

engine knocks caused by bearings, etc., DONT go away.

plus... these engines NEVER fail.

 

Hi JimmyB:

What was the diagnosis?

Ron

 

usually its the lash adjusters, piston slap is a very defined nosie and i havent seen that probelm on mitsubishi since the precis from the late 80's and early 90's. if it is, your going to get a new engine under warranty. good luck!

 

Does anyone happen to know the end result of this knock?