Timing chain rattle intermittent

[sailingcruiser]

Hi all
I have been getting a chain rattle. In the mornings when truck is cold after sitting overnight. I’m guessing a new tensioner is in store. Cruiser is a 97. 250k miles dose not make the noises in the afternoon after sitting for 8 hrs. Any thoughts would be helpful. I have seen some old threads. Looks like a straight forward job. I run good oil and filters

 

[2fpower]

tensioner is mostly oil pressure driven, so yes that could be. You might want to look at the tensioner/guides too. You have to pull the valve cover off to see this....

 

[sailingcruiser]

I was hoping you would not say that. I don’t mind opening it up. This is going to lead in to the big question of if it is time to rebuild. Leaking rear main seal. Puff of blue smoke once in a while. Probably could use the top end done. Oil pressure is slow to build. I wonder if it is a oil pump problem our check valve.

 

[Kernal]

Try some searches for Timing Chain Rattle, been discussed a lot in the past.

 

[sailingcruiser]

I have looked not any real clear info. I could pull just that people have had problems and that some preferences are for a 90 Degree filter mount. And it squirts when you squeeze it. Is there something I’m missing?

 

[Kernal]

Sent a PM, but here's the high points:

The issue is related to the engine oil empyting back into the oil pan (from the filter and the oil galleys) when the vehicle sits for a few hours.

When you first start the engine the next day it takes a couple of seconds
for the oil pressure to build up and get to the timing chain tensioner causing a rod to push out taking the slack out of the chain, which stops the rattle.

Most important point to keep in mind; the rattle doesn't seem to cause any problems long term.

An oil filter with a good anti-drain back valve (Mobil 1 filter for example) may help

Heavier viscosity engine oil (10/15W-40) may help

Removing, cleaning, reinstalling the timing chain tensioner (or installing a new part) may help

A 90 degree oil filter helps

A remotely mounted oil filter with the filter mounted upside down should help

Hope that helps

 

[bigredmachine]

Oil pressure is slow to build

if your basing that off of the gauge on the dash and your concerned than I would get an oil pressure gauge and check it that way. the dash gauge is pretty much there to just show that theres oil pressure, its not really all that accurate.