Engine rattle/timing

[S14AddiCtion]

Now I know this has been discussed 1000 times, but on my 96 KA24DE the engine had started out with a feint tick tick tick noise under 3k rpm which couldn't be heard under acceleration (beyond a certain rpm). Although as of late, when I start the engine I hear what seems to be plastic rattling inside...the engine has 190k. The rattle is audible loudest under idle. Its scarying me, help!!

[One_Love]

i havent heard of this in the s14 but the s13s had a chain guide problem.

The "plastic" guide would fall off inside and the chain will tap on the valve cover. take the valva cover off and take a look around.

[S14AddiCtion]

I have yet to remove the valve cove since I bought it about 6 months ago...I suppose it wouldn't hurt, just a gastket replacement to cover back up right? 1st thing I do this weekend! Any more suggestions? Btw, it sounds as if the timing chain guide may have broken off and is being moved around by the chain and such..how harmful would that be to the engine? Sorry but I have soo many questions, its been driving me insane!

[One_Love]

if the guide did fall off then you wanna get that asap, the closer the chain gets to the cover the worst.

ohh and you can get a gasket for like 10 bucks in autozone.

[S14AddiCtion]

Sounds like a plan, thanks for the quick response!! I'll be sure to check that out asap.

[One_Love]

no problem bro and good luck.