Just hit 90k on the 97, engine has developed a somewhat raspy tone throughout the rpm range, esp. at idle. Timing chain or belt perhaps? Any ideas would be helpfull, would like to have some "knowledge ammo" when I take it into the shop.

 

90 K is past the recomended life of timing belts. They may be somewhat worn. I'm not sure what a raspy sound is. It could be a small hole in the exhaust or something. What oil do you use? Good luck.

 

Is the "raspy" sound exhaust? If so check the exhaust gasket from the cat. Mine went out on my 92 Toy 4x4 at 95K.


Good Luck

 

I have a similar sound that has been coming from my engine for a while. I am 99% sure that, in my casse, it is the power steering pump, using a screwdriver as a stethoscope. You might want to check that too.

 

That's not a bad idea, but I'm pretty sure its not the power steering pump. Not the exhaust either, it's coming from the engine bay, no doubt about it. It just seems to have lost that smooth quiet sound in favor of..well...a raspy engine noise