My 2007 auto has developed a loud thumping noise coming from the oil pan area. The noise is only noticeable once the engine warms up. I pulled the pan to check on the bearings crank etc. Everything is tight and clean. The oil pan is very clean with zero metal pcs. The oil pick up screen is clean. I havent pulled the bearing caps yet because what caught my attention is a screw thats close to the timing chain that appears to have backed out. Anyone know what this screw is?

 

Thinking its oil pump

 

Not sure which screw is loose in either picture. Sure wish when folks post something like that they'd just stick their finger on the part! :-) Anyway, does this diagram help?

 

Thanks for pics helped confirm. Its one of the screws that holds the oil pump in. If you look towards the pick up tube its up there right by the timing chain. Its probably about 1 thread away from coming right out. Ill tighten up. But why the hell would it come loose?

 

That's a really good question. Regardless, I do see it now--pretty dark back there, LOL. Item 2 on the breakdown I posted, correct? Torque value for that "oil pump cover plate screw" is supposed to be 105 inch-pounds.

 

Yup. Im thinking the easy way is to just tighten it down and see if the knocking disappears. Hard way would be to pull the timing cover and have it that way.