Have had for some months, an engine noise when the engine is not fully warmed up. It almost sounds like a very light rod bearing rattle. Increases when free reving or acceleration but never really very prominent from inside the car and almost inaudible when fully warmed up.

Under the hood It is just barely noticeable when free reving the motor. Not even as loud as valvetrain, just a sightly lower pitch noise... not deep like a main.. If anything the noise is near the front of the engine in the timing gear area.

Engine has 150k, more or less... but sat for 18 years.

I am considering pulling the motor and inspecting the lower end and Plastiguaging it. I havea strandard set of rod bearings just in case for a temp repair.

Or is it possible the timing gears are noise source. I have read they can be due to the fiber cam gear.

Unfortunately my B20 is not nearly complete. Since my jetta tranny took a dump I have been relying on my 122 for daily trans. Better safe than sorry!

Your thoughts?