95 Grand Am weird noise

[Unregistered]

I have a 95 Pontiac Grand Am with the quad 4 engine in it. I think its the 2.3l. It is making a noise like the timing chain or water pump is going out. The thing that i am confused about is that i was told its direct drive (No timing chain no timing belt, all gear driven) And i was wondering if there is any truth to that. So far im not to happy with the car. Had problems with it blowing fuses (making the door locks not work) also the distributor type thing, i am not sure what you call since i have never seen anything like it, went out and had to get another from a junk yard, i am pretty sure 2 of the cylinders were not firing. Although it has been little things i am definately concerned about this noise. If it is the water pump how hard is that to fix ? Also if it is the timing chain if it does have one how hard is that ? I am by all means not a novice when it comes to working on vehicles, but that quad 4 is definately interesting. Any help is much appreciated. thanks

 

[inthechateau]

Sounds like you have the same problem I had. Replace the crank angle sensor.

 

[Unregistered]

The engine in question does have a timing chain. On the passenger side of the engine there will be a cover that has approx. 20 bolts surrounding the outside of it. You would have to remove the upper motor mount to get access to all of the bolt since you have to lift the engine. Be sure to replace the chain, tensioner and guides when doing this. If it is the water pump, it will be squealing from a bearing going out. This is a pain since the exhaust manifold will have to come off before any work can be done.