Infamous Rattle

[LSDrift]

So, sorry to bother everybody with another Timing Chain post but I can't find anything anywhere!!! I have a 90 SOHC and I have searched and searched and can't find any type of pictured guide on how to fix the rattle...I have it apart in my driveway now and am not sure where to go next...The sprocket looks great but the chain is quite floppy on the guide side...Is there a front cover that can be removed or is the SOHC way more of a complicated fix than the DOHC. Well, any help would be great especially if it deals with how to fix the guide or whatever it is exactly that needs replacement.

[Dattebayo]

SOHC doesnt often have the timing chain rattle problem. DOHC has that problem only. Besides, the tensioner is powered by oil pressure while the motor is running. It would appear to be slack until the motor is running.

I dont know how to say this, but I think you may be fixing something that wasnt broken. Your "rattle" was probably caused by a lifter or a shim.

[LSDrift]

ok...so maybe there's something in the valve train...but, the tensioner side of the chain is tight, and the other is not. what could possibly be making the rattle in the valvetrain? It rattles for a few seconds at start up and then goes away once the engine warms up a little. Even if the engine is warm though, if I rev it, I can hear a noise directly from the chain when the throttle is quickly released. ???thanks for your help

[SOHCSE]

Honestly, I think every SOHC does this. The lifters are NOISY. You getting a rattle or a ticking?

[LSDrift]

Yeh, I know the lifters are noisy...but it is a definite rattle on start up. it goes: turn key, rrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaappppppp....smoooth...then when I go when it's cold the noise happens a little again as soon as the rpms drop when I shift

[Jasong]

My SOHC got to rattling bad I wasn't in a hurry to check it out until it started overheating. When I tore it down the guide on the drivers side of the engine had crumbled to pieces and without the guide it wore a hole in the cover which let water in the engine. I would check the the guides and see if the chain has worn through the guide covering and is rubbing the metal part of the guide. depending on how loose the chain is it may just be stretched and needs to be replaced.

[LSDrift]

Yeah, so update in case anyone cares about this anymore...maybe someone else with the same problem on the E. My chain guide was completely F'd up. there was no plastic guide left between the two bolts and that was what was causing it...damn rattle...Oh well, now I fixed it and it runs like a cat:)Took me a damn week though because of interruptions every frickin day