96 with loose cam chain

[Bimota]

My 96 started making a rattling noise. I pulled the valve cover and found
the drivers side of the cam chain is way loose. The noise was from the
chain slapping the guide on the drivers side. The oil looks clean so I think
I caught it before the chain ate into the block or something.

Is there something on the left side to tension the chain that failed?
At 185k miles I don’t think replacing one part is smart. Do they make a
complete timing chain tensioner kit or do I just order a bunch of parts?

Does the head have to come off?.




Just in case your wondering – the motor has 185k miles on Shell Rotella.



Thanks

[PapaSmurf2k3]

On the KA24DE, you don't have to pull the head, you just have to pull basically everything off the front of the engine, and then pull the front timing covers. I'm not sure about the DE.
I believe Courtesyparts sells a complete timing chain kit. Amazon definitely does.
http://www.amazon.com/Evergreen-TK3005W ... B007Y6B296

And here's a thread about changing it out:
sohc-ka24e-timing-chain-replacement-t220814.html

I'll see if I can contact the member to see if he still has the pictures.

[Q451990]

That's a clean looking engine!

The chain rattle at start-up is pretty common. I've read about some people replacing everything, only to have them start rattling again in short order. My '97 used to do it sometimes, and it's still running (with a neighbor who bought it) at about 300K. If the rattle subsides after a few seconds at start-up, it's probably not worth worrying about. If it continues to rattle for a while after you start it, then I'd replace the timing kit.

I've also heard of some people having success reducing the rattle by changing to an oil filter with an anti-drainback check valve - like the factory filter.

Heath

[Bimota]

Thanks for the help.
The rattle is all the time.
Hope to get around to it next week.