[aigel]

My pal bought an 84 Carrera w/ 138k miles in decent shape. Not much with respect to records, so we started a complete tuneup. We got as far as changing the oil, cap rotor and the passenger's side plugs and wires. Filled the tank with 9 quarts 20W-50, and fired it up. At idle, all was fine. Pal went around the block and returned few minutes later with a rattle at higher rpm 2000+, but not at idle.

After checking cap and rotor with nothing coming up, we traced the rattle to the driver's side chain housing. Very clearly from that area. We listened through a breaker bar and could practically sense the vibration, even with our hands. It was a rattle, not a valve tap or knock. I figured the oil change - and the short time without oil pressure from that - had triggered an event that pushed the tensioner over the edge.

After this dissappointing diagnosis, we were maneuvering the car around the house to stow it. Sure enough, during this action, the noise went away. Pal drove home, 10 minutes, driving normally and there was no more noise!

What's going on? Do you think air or debris got into the tensioners and now got bled out?

And finally, after this experience, would you keep driving the car? More importantly, would you take it to a DE if it behaves itself until the weekend?

TIA,

George