89 240sx rattles when cold starting.

[S13Cruiser]

Hi,I'm kind of new here and just got my car. It has a slight rattle when you start it up in the cool mornings and then stops a few seconds later. The rattle tends to come on while starting up for the first time only and doesn't come on anymore for the rest of the day. I've read that it could be the timing chain, but the car only has 66k on it. If it is the timing can i just replace whats broken and leave the rest? Do you guys have any ideas on what else could be causing that start up rattle? :helpThanks,Ben

[NISTECH]

maybe its an exhuast leak at the manifold?

[blacks13ek]

Its something to do with the timing chain im pretty sure...Either its in the FAQ or one of the forums, they could explain it better. But im pretty sure it doesnt have any negative effects on your car

[S13Cruiser]

Hi guys thanks for the feedback. I opened up the oil fill cap and was able to move the timing chain about half an inch back and forth. I guess the guides are broken or something and need to be replaced. I've been reading around the forum and others say that leaving it loose will cause it to rub against the timing cover. That will lead to a coolant leak because it'll rub a hole.I think i might just leave it till it becomes more loose or let it break. Hopefully i'll have enough saved by then for a sr20 or anything better like the doch ka.How much longer do you guys think it'll last before breaking?thanksBen

[santa109]

My 89 has been doing it ever since I had it, which is about 3 years. Now has 125K miles on the engine, had 100K when I got it, been treated badly by the previous owner, it's a tough engine, I wouldn't worry about it breaking anytime soon.