[Surfpunk]

Hi. Does anyone know how to diagnose a timing chain problem without having to rip the engine to pieces? My 89' 9K SE makes a rattling noise on start up (left side of engine)- not sure if its the 2 belts on pulleys that are making it or not. However the noise has gone once the car has been for a run.

Would i be best taking it to my local specialist & would he charge me a bomb just for an opinion?
Cheers chaps

 

[Paul Harrison]

You could take the cam cover off and see if the chain is slack between the 2 cam pulleys. On a new chain it is tight.

 

[mutungi]

Time for a change....and peace of mind! My 9K had done around 130K and started loosing coolant from head gasket failure...since the head was coming off I went the whole hog and changed all the timing/balance chains, guides, etc......and now the car purrs like a TIGER! Your car will feel and drive like a dream after the replacement of all the timing chain gear!

 

[Mark in Ireland]

Usually the timing chain will make more noise as the engine gets hot if it is worn. Abbott did all the chains etc on my car and it rattled terribly when cold (2000 miles later) but clears when hot....still don't know what it is but keeping a check on debris in the oil change every 5000 miles....so far no signs of broken teeth yet!

 

[1989agoodvintage]

Originally posted by Mark in Ireland:
[qb]Usually the timing chain will make more noise as the engine gets hot if it is worn.  Abbott did all the chains etc on my car and it rattled terribly when cold (2000 miles later) but clears when hot....still don't know what it is but keeping a check on debris in the oil change every 5000 miles....so far no signs of broken teeth yet! [/qb][/b]

I know my balance shaft chain rattle is most noticeable when the car has been on a short run. When started from cold it's fine and after a long run the rattle is only slight.