[Shotimes] Is engine OK? was: SHO cranking but not starting

[Koper Jim]

Hello again,

Still trying to solve this mystery.
I pulled the top timing belt cover to see if the belt was still one unit. It
was! However, I was wondering how much 'give' the belt should have between
the two camshaft sprockets. I have about 1/2" of give. Perhaps the timing
belt tensioner needs checked? I reinstalled the cover and checked the fuel
rail--it was pressurizing properly.

I went to start it just for kicks, and it did start, though somewhat
weakly--it didn't exactly fire to life. I heard the starter's high-pitched
whirr and the engine stumbled to life as if by accident. It did not seem to
idle smoothly at a given RPM. The idle speed itself varied from 700-1600
RPMs, so I will check the IAB.

The thing that I am concerned about is an engine noise I am hearing. It
seems to be coming from deep within the engine (block) and is subtle--a
gentle knocking. It didn't start until a minute or two of that varied idling
mentioned before. IIRC, it sounds like a far away diesel that is idling.
This is not the beginning of spun bearings, or is it? (no oil light comes
on). If a woodruff key/dampener pulley is starting to go (or has gone), that
would advance/retard the timing. Could the engine run at all with a bad
woodruff key? I haven't really heard any strange noises from the pulley
area. 60K done 10K ago, so I can't imagine crank cancer.

Would the camshaft sensor be a possible culprit (replaced 1.5 years/10K
miles ago)?

Anyway, after hearing the odd engine sound (gentle knocking?) I felt a bit
uneasy and shut the engine off.
Is there any other item I missed? I keep 'ruling out' stuff, but can't
figure out what could possibly be next to check out.

Thanks for your advice and suggestions.