timing chain tension

[johnny]

Got a little noise that I thought was coming from the valve train, did a valve adjustment and the sound continues. I had been thinking that the noise might be a loose timing chain because it sounds JUST like my BSA did when the primary chain was too loose. My timing chain does seem loose, I could pull it up a bit off the cam sprocket and while reaching my finger down under the upper timing chain cover I could push the chain in a bit. So the noise really only happens at idle, a kind of "chick/chick" sound that goes away as soon as the motor is under load. It is loudest when coming down from a rev up to 2K or so with the motor under no load.

So a couple questions, has anyone had a noise due to a loose timing chain, and how do you adjust the tensioner? The book doesnt really give any insight....

I hope it's not a bearing....

Thanks!

[Mike87]

Unless you have a manual tensioner installed, the chain is tensioned by oil pressure. It could be that the tensioner has lost its' ability to build pressure and is letting the chain get loose. Otherwise it might be something else making the noise. Sloppy pistons (piston slap)??

[TobyB]

In the 'really bizarre' category-

check your distributor!

I had one lose its springs, and the weights were flying out and whacking one of the mounting screws.

Sounded JUST like a weak tensioner, so I replaced the piston first...

The tensioner can get gunk in it, which will mess up its ability to hold oil pressure.

It's normal to be able to SLOWLY move the tensioner, but it should take a good deal of force to move it at more than a very slow creep.

The piston's $10, the spring a buck, and it's easy to change if you really suspect it.

hth,

Toby

[Guest Anonymous]

will the pisto comeout through the tensioner spring hole, or do I have to tear the front covers off to get to it?

[jimk]

Clean out the check valve so the ball check works. After reinstalling, pour oil in the valve cover at the front. It will run into the oil pocket. Use a lever to cycle the tensioner a few times. May need to pour more oil in. It should become hydraulically solid after a few pumps and the air gets out.

[Mtrotter]

its probably oil pump chain slop. its not too hard, well, its not too easy either... lower the front sub frame, drop oil pan, shim oil pump so chain is tighter.

[johnny]

thanks for all the great info. I will do some investigation......

[Guest Anonymous]

I agree, thanks for the info