Thread: Timing chain noise.

So to make this simple after upgrading from stock to Tomei cams, then tomei to S3 cams then to S4's on my DET in a period of 2 years the timing chain has been getting a bit louder. I just replaced the tensioner with a brand new one from Gspec and the noise still there. It's not that crazy loud but is loud enough for me to make a big deal about it. Motor has about 70,000 miles.

Any suggestions? Anything in special I should look at? There is no timing guide.

There is no more timing chain guide up top, but there is a guide that the tensioner presses against. It's possible the black, low friction coating has worn through and that's what is causing the noise. My only other guess would be that your chain is too stretched, and you need a new one, but that is easily checked. If the tensioner still has some travel left in it, then the chain should still be okay I think.

Damaged sprocket teeth?

I'm really shooting from the hip here, sorry. =/

What do you mean by no timing guide? Alot of times bad noises can come from the scraper on top of the chain which sits above the cam gears. This part has been known to break and just sit on top of the chain and bounce and or rattle against the valve cover, it can be pretty loud or soft depending on the severity of it. I know its a common problem on the dual overhead cam ka24de's and sometimes sr20's. If it is that piece take it off its not needed it should be held on with 2 12mm bolts if i remember correctly.

I assume he means he already removed it, hence it can't be causing that noise. The chain being stretched is something I thought of right away as well. Have you ever replaced the chain?

This is the guide I'm talking about.

It could easily be an improperly torqued cam retainer bracket as well making that noise. Is it just at low rpm?

Chain has never been replaced and I don't see why if it only has around 70,000 miles. The tensioner does it's "tension" work I can tell by when I put it in there. I guess I'm just gonna deal with it and maybe next year or something I'll replace it along with a VE oil pump.

Doubt is the retainer since I usually triple check my work but next time I open the VC I triple check again.

Yeah I hear it more at idle. The chain makes just as much noise as the 550cc injectors.

Is it very obvious that it is the timing chain or does it just seem like it? Engine noises can be tricky to pinpoint sometimes. Perhaps the noise is coming from something else.

I'm probably 90% sure it's the timing chain.