Timing Chain Tensioner

[cientortas]

I was reading some old threads from OwnerCS...and am now thinking that my HLA noise, that has been around for a few years, might be a clogged driver side timing chain tensioner instead of an HLA issue. See video below. A rhythmic tapping noise occurs only when the engine is warm, and only at idle. When the engine speeds up, the noise goes away. It seems to resemble a slack chain slapping the top metal stop above the cam sprockets. When engine speeds up, the slack is removed...no slapping. I tried everything (BG engine flush, frequent oil changes, MMO, Rislone, etc.) but not a bit of difference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzz4i2SwtwE

According to the FSM, the driver side chain tensioner can be removed without the chain jumping teeth. I'm gonna swap it out to see if it makes a difference. OwnerCS...any words of wisdom before I do this? Is there a way to inject oil into the new tensioner before putting it in...so it keeps the chain taut upon installing?

[LEMHEAD16]

The tensioner is spring loaded not oil pressure operated so don't worry about preloading it with oil


I'd put the motor at #1 TDC just to be sure before removing the old tensioner. If you wanted to be extra sure you could remove the DS valve cover so you can visually confirm the chain doesn't move.

Have you had the VCs off before? Is there a lot of sludge in the motor?

[cientortas]

I thought it was oil pressure operated? Maybe I'm wrong. The VCs were off and the insides were clean. No sludge. Here is a pic:

[OwnerCS]

+1 to Lem's TDC before the operation suggestion. Just make sure you have a new tensoner gasket when you remove the tensioner. There might be something clogging the oil port (mine was RTV). It is actually easy to remove the tensioner. I wish I had thought about it before the VC was removed to discover nothing wrong with any HLAs..

One other note a failing tensioner on the VQ30DE will allow the chain to make a clicking noise when the engine is cold at idle.. Fortunately, that known VQ30DE issue can be repaired without removing the full timing chain cover.

[cientortas]

Why TDC before removing the tensioner? Does that help later if the chain skips?

[LEMHEAD16]

Yes. It's been a while since I have touched the timing chains on a VH, but with the VC off and the motor at #1 TDC you should be able to see the timing mark on the cams. I would use a paint marker and mark the chain link that it aligns to, and then remove the tensioner. In reality the chain likely won't move, but better to be safe than sorry.

motor looks super clean!