DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUTTERED AND NEARLY STALLED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD PUNCHED A HOLE THROUGH THE TOP OF THE VALVE COVER, WHICH LEAKED OIL OVER THE ENGINE AND ONTO THE EXHAUST, STARTING A SMALL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.