Timing chain tensioner taking a while to pump up?

[Stinky]

Hi guys. We recently did a light rebuild on a vh45de from a 91 Q. The previous owner had obviously not changed the oil as often as they should and the poor engine was gummed up very bad. Anyway, its back together and running but I've noticed something. When we first start the engine it sounds like the timing chain is snapping from loose to tight as the cams rotate. It did this when we turned the motor by hand when we were building it but only until the tensioner pumped with oil and started to tension the chain. I think the tensioner is just too old or that theres a valve in it that isnt keeping the oil in when the engine is off. Does this sound right? Is this at all common? It just happens until the oil pressure comes up and then things are fine.

[66mgb]

I would suggest running BG Qwick Clean through the engine per directions prior to your oil change to try and remove some of the sludge. You might want to do this a couple of times.

[Q45tech]

Change both the chain tensioners!The nicest thing about the 90-93 guide problem was that the tensioners/guides got changed or the engine got junked.

The tensioners can only handle so much chain stretch.

[PopPop]

Change both the chain tensioners!The nicest thing about the 90-93 guide problem was that the tensioners/guides got changed or the engine got junked.

The tensioners can only handle so much chain stretch.

Most people think just because vh45de have metal chains that they never will need replacing or that metal chains don't stretch! The more these engines are neglected the more chain stretch will occur! Like D said even with new tensioners you may still have slack!

[cormode]

Pull the tensioners off the car, put them in ziplock sandwich baggies with a half pint of clean oil.

Pump the tensioners in and out several times to charge them with oil.

Replace the tensioners back in the engine.

That should take care of the noise.

[Aussie Q45a]

We recently did a light rebuild on a vh45de from a 91 Q.

Did the "Light Rebuild" include chain guide kit from Joe?