NEW noisy timing chain

[Biggs2004]

I just got my newly rebuilt engine (KA24E) back in my car, and got the initial break-in over with. But at 1,500 miles, the timing chain started making it's little noise. It's a faint yet clear ring.... it's like a constant quiet old telephone bell. But it only does it during acceleration, when I mash the gas. You can rev it all you want standing still, and you don't hear a thing. I took a look today and the tensioner side is really tight, but the guide side of the chain is loose, like about a 1/2 an inch of play. What's the deal? is that normal? The chain, that I can see, hasn't rubbed on anything but the guide and tensioner. I need suggestions.... Thanks

[deviousKA]

Well, the slack on the one side of the chain is because when your engine stopped, the camshaft rolled over a bit more than the crank. Turn the engine a little bit in the clockwise manner to put that slack on the tensioner side. But anyways about your problem, unfortunately the ka24e has major issues with the timing chain system. Was a new timing chain used? Was it an aftermarket kit? A lot of the chains provided in aftermarket kits are poor, usually 06B type (vs. they beefy stock 06E chain). These stretch very quickly and in the ka24e setup cause problems. Roll your engine over to put the slack on the proper side, then look down at your tensioner cylinder with a flashlight, if you have like 1/2" or more cylinder showing, the chain is stretched. If it doest appear to be stretched, the tensioner may be weak, not holding much oil pressure. Have you checked your oil pressure across the rpm range? and when the problem occurs? this may be able to tell you something.

Start up rattle is one thing, but running rattle is a definate problem

btw. check for other things rattling on the engine, they can throw you for a loop. like the exhaust manifold sheild, etc...

[Biggs2004]

Thanks deviousKA, the chain is new; Precision Engine in Houston, TX rebuilt it for me. I have no idea what kind of rebuild kit they used, but I know that every moving part is new, with the exception of the cam and crank shaft, they most likely remachined them. Last night when I looked at the tensioner, there wasn't any of the rod from the tensioner showing. The chain was so tight on that side that I couldn't move it. I'm hoping that I can solve this problem without having to rip the whole front of the motor off, but I don't think you can access the tensioner without removing the timing cover. Is that the solution, changing the tensioner, or is there a way to "prime" or "Bleed" it, to increase oil pressure? Thanks again.

Oh, I don't have an exhaust heat shield because it was making racket. I double checked those possibilities today.

[sliders]

hey biggs dev helped me out with this when i had the same chain problem. you do have to take the cover off and instead of buying a new one for 50 bucks do like he told me and just pull the sping out and stretch it some then put it back on this will tighten things up worked great till i spun a rod bearing...HEy d i have been sending you e-mails to ask question about my rebuild the shop called me and told me they magnafluxed the crank ...its cracked and also should i try to find a lightened one or stick with oe i want to make more torque...Thanx for your help man

[Charlie240sxt]

I hate that sound people ask whats that all the time