need some opinions on possible timing chain tensioner problem.

[dana541]

Well i did i good deal of searching before posting this but couldnt find much due to my possible problem being a different from normal timing chain rattle.

so here is the deal.I did a full rebuild on my single slammer ka back in may(im a diesel tech so i know my way around under the hood)I replaced pretty much everything including the timing chain tensioner,chain and guide.so lately i have been noticing a rattle on cold startup, so i finaly pulled the valve cover and did a little inspecting.what i found was my timing chain slightly slipped over the backside of plastic tensioner(not much just the first part of the connecting links).i also noticed that the plastic tensioner arm is not centered on the tensioner pin.i can actually move the plastic tensioner side to side a bit with a screwdriver.Either one of two things are going on1.the pivot bolt that holds the plastic tensioner to the engine block has rattled loose and backed out causing the timing chain tensioner to have enough side to side play to not be straight against the chain or the tensioner pin.2.the timming chain tensioner is a total cheap pile of crap and it has some side to side play

what i have not determined is if its moving side to side from the actual pivot point (way down where i cant see) or im just moving the top part of the tensioner because it has some flex and its very long.

any opinions would be a great help on this none centered timing chain tensioner situation.just trying to save my self the trouble of pulling the front engine cover just to check one bolt and find out that its tight.

Thanks

[Rev_D21]

The tensioner is flimsy but not that flimsy. I think the movement from side to side is due to the pivot pin below. A lot of KAE's have chain noise on start up though. Did you replace the pivot pin when you did your tear down?

[dana541]

ya i replaced the pivot pin,a new one came with the timing chain set.Im also no stranger to nissan chain rattle on startup,i owned a 720 mini for many years.forgot to mention the reason i pulled the valve cover today and inspect is because the noise was not going away after startup.it was consistent.

[liquid_cool]

the bolt that holds the tentioner in place may have started to vibrate out..its a possibility..one that can be corrected with a little locktight...i notice on the ka's that the long tentioner does have side to side play..but just a little...whats your oil pressure like?..do you have an aftermarket gauge installed?..i could be a loss of oil pressure issue allso..ither with the pump or the spring/plunger for the regulator its self...more inspection of your motor is warrented ..get back to us with what ya find..good luck

[dana541]

i have a aftermarket mechanical oil pressure gauge and a brand new oil pump.so oil pressure isnt really an issue .that damn bolt is stressing me out.probably lose sleep over it and end up tearing into it tomarrow after work.just not looking forward to turning wrenches all day at work and coming home to do the same thing. just got my 5 speed swap done a couple weeks ago so im a little burnt out on working on this thing for a little while.just wish i could have some good cruising time without any issues,i guess thats to much to ask from the nissan gods