timing chain like noise centered at oil crankcase

[Jake Raby]

Glad you had a good experience with the tow company, they have been towing cars for me for years...

I have a good idea the noise is the IMS bearing, but I am awaiting a second opinion from a bearing test device that we have at our disposal. If the noise isn't the IMS it may be the IMS drive chain, something that can't be remedied without a full tear down. It could also be the oil pump as it is also driven from the IMS, opposite the bearing end.

The jury is still out, I'll sleep on it and get back with you in the morning.. The good news is it hasn't had a catastrophic failure, so I can repair it.