Timing chain tensioner questions 1991 240sx

[Gcox]

I have a 1991 Nissan 240SX that I have owned since it was new. In January of 2007 it had 116,000 miles. During idling there was a rattling noise coming from the engine area near the fan, almost like the fan was hitting something. The sound seemed to go away after I started driving. I ended up having the timing chain tensioners replaced at the Nissan dealer. That was a VERY major job costing about $1350.

Even though it has been about 22 months since then I have only put 10,000 on the car. The reason is because it was sitting in storage for nearly a year. Now that same sound is back. The dealer tells me their warranty is 12,000 miles or 12 months.

I took the car to another garage, and mechanic said I need to have the tensioners replaced. This is crazy. Any ideas on what's up with this? I can't afford a $1350 job every 10,000 miles.

[guyaverage]

It probably wasnt (or isnt) the tensioner causing the rattle, it was the guides. Pull the valve cover off and remove the upper guide, if it hasnt already broken itself free (it probably has). If that doesnt cure the rattle, remove the valve cover and top timing cover (along with the distributor) and remove the guide on the upper drive side. The '95 and up KA's did not have them and Nissan recommends removing them from the earlier KA's because they are usually the source of the rattle and they are considered unnecessary. Do a search, there are dozens and dozens of threads with details and pictures on how to do this. I seriously doubt you need tensioners again. Unfortunately you probably didnt need them the first time either.