Timing chain rattle

[Speedy88]

Hey guys,
Getting timing chain rattle at idle when hot, while braking and whilst taking low speed corners. While driving it's totally fine however I'm fairly certain I'm going to need to change my timing chain. But having only sourced one in Australia, it's going to end up being a little expensive to get shipped over.

That aside, is there anything I can do with the tensioner to take up the slack? This if for the 4G52 and unfortunately the only information I've got (Haynes: Book of lies) doesn't even tell me if it's a manual adjustment or oil fed timing tensioner. Would it be ill advised to just put some washers on the tensioner?

Please excuse me for the questions, I'm still learning with this engine having only dealt with timing belts before.

Thanks

[Superscan811]

Usually low oil can also cause that problem.

Changing a timing chain isn't a big deal, as long as both chains use joining links.

Cheers.

[Speedy88]

Thanks buddy, I'm just concerned about the fact that my engine is from 77 and all the kits seem to exclude it and start from 78. Like so: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131088853773? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Before I risk it, I thought I'd better just see if there were alternative options.

[tubby]

this is what your tensioner looks like the triangly thing behind that chain. I think it gets its pressure from the oil pump. this could be worn as well as your chain guides.

I have also heard of the chain guides wearing through (yuck)
like superscan said check oil level/pressure (do ges' have a gauge or is it just a light).

[tubby]

oh and as far as i know there isn't any variations on the 4G52 timing chain wise (maybe a 1000000/1 non balance shaft model) post a pic of the engine and we might be able to spot any anomaly's. i would be pretty confident that is your kit.

[Speedy88]

like superscan said check oil level/pressure (do ges' have a gauge or is it just a light).

Just a light unfortunately! I'll have the sump off at the end of the month when she comes off the road and check the gauze screen on the pickup. I'll have the front off at the same time and see if I've got a harmonic balancer or not!

[leigh7005]

sure its not the balance shaft chain needing adjustmen?

[Superscan811]

.. a gauge or is it just a light.

Just a light unfortunately!

The light comes on when the pressure drops below 5psi.
At that pressure, the engine is doing itself damage, no matter what rpm.

I use a 20psi switch just to be sure.


Cheers.

[Speedy88]

Rattle has increased to almost all the time now but I have done a few 100 miles. Car comes off the road at the end of the month so I'll be stripping the front down and investigating.

[Speedy88]

.. a gauge or is it just a light.

Just a light unfortunately!

The light comes on when the pressure drops below 5psi.
At that pressure, the engine is doing itself damage, no matter what rpm.

I use a 20psi switch just to be sure.


Cheers.

Fair enough - might be a good idea to see if Skap or someone else has some NOS oil gauges I can fit in the dash. I can use those with the standard switch I'm guessing?

[Turbo047]

You can adjust the balance shaft chain from the little 2 screw cover on the timing cover. If you look at tubby's photo. That adjustment is there from behind the little cover. Just use a screwdriver to move the adjuster and a 10mm socket to lock it.

[Speedy88]

Awesome, I'll take a look thanks!

[tubby]

The light comes on when the pressure drops below 5psi.
At that pressure, the engine is doing itself damage, no matter what rpm.

I use a 20psi switch just to be sure.

What sender are you using, my gn runs the 5 psi one. 20 psi seems more reasonable where did you get it?

[Superscan811]

What sender are you using, my gn runs the 5 psi one. 20 psi seems more reasonable where did you get it?

This one..


Cheers.