too easy (82 spider)

["bradley artigue" <brad_artigue@domain.elided>]

Searching for the source of a rattle in the cylinder head in the 1800-2200 
RPM range, I was inclined to check the valve clearances yet again (this was 
done about 3 months ago and everything was even and near perfect).  So I 
took out the "engine maintenance" section of the shop manual...

I had checked timing belt deflection a while back but the simple procedure 
of loosening the tensioner one turn, putting the car in 5th and rolling 
through an engine rotation eliminated the rattle.  I am thrilled.

Another note - this car has a "new" oil filler cap.  After a nice run in the 
car I noticed some oil (not a lot) in the area around the cap.  I had added 
oil last night but figured, hey, i dripped some.  I wiped it up, went 
driving again.  Another little spot.

Removing the (metal) oil cap and bending the tabs in slightly created much 
greater tension against the opening.  Suddenly my engine is even quieter - 
I've had the cap for months and never really thought it was venting.  Made a 
nice difference in noise (no more puff-puff) and the cap ended up being 
another source of the rattle - it is now gone.

It was too easy.  So when you are rattling, check the stupid stuff and never 
assume a "new" anything is going to fit perfectly.

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