timing chain rattle?? maybe, maybe not...

[Koshin]

I have a blacktop SR and and noticed a lttle rattle under the valve cover this morning...I think that its the timing chain but cannot confirm...Not to long ago whne I was in SC, it was warmer one day and I heard it, so I pulled the valve cover and took the timing chain guard off to inspect the chain...the chain looked brand new and was tight. I didnt put the timing chain guard back on because I read that most people dont use them..Was this my first mistake?? It is warmer today thanit has been all year here today and I was wondering if it time to go to 10w30 again...I run 5w30 in the colder months...It isnt real loud and most people wouldnt even notice probably but its bothering me..The car is running as good as it ever has, no permance loss at all. I think Im gonna swithc it back to 10w30 to see what happens...It only does it at idle, when the oil pressure is at its lowest point...its itterminent, go away when any load is applied and doesnt return until its been sitting back at idle for 10 seconds or so..weird

It is not bottom end noise!! It is not noisy injectors because I know I have them to..Just wondering what the next step would be...Dont want to have to replace the timing chain yet...Oh and should I put the guard back on?? could I need a new tensioner? could it be out of tension??

This is the first time its done it since that day in SC...if that helps

ThanksRich

[Murdered_T]

you need a new tensioner.

EDIT: that is usually the problem to that symptom, when you are putting a load on the chain it is stretching and pushing the tensioner back and the chain itself is creating tension, when you are at idle speeds the tensioner is pushing against the chain taking up the slack so it does not rattle, if the tensioner is blown then the chain usually clacks at idle.

[Koshin]

thanks buddy...thats kinda the way I was leaning...just needed some confirmation....

[cody180sx]

take the valve cover off then the guide turn the motor with a socket wrench and check it in a couple of places mine gave a little but not enough to be a problem so i just removed the guide

[Koshin]

how hard is it to replace the tensioner....ive never done one, but I would think it isnt that hard...how does the tensioner on this motor work exactly?? is it sprung somehow or what?? had these motors for years, but never replaced one..just wondering

cant find a writeup on this, I think that I may do a write up on said subject...

BTW..To cody180sx, I already removed the top guide because I thought it was hitting it...When I replace the tensioner, Ill reinstall the top guide..

Thanks