Listen ... are my tensioners bad?

LFogelson · LFogelson's Garage

I have an 82SC without the chain tensioner upgrade. A few days ago my engine starting making a loud noise from the left side that decreases as the engine warms up. I am worried my tensioner went bad on the left. I have not driven the car since this started.

Give a listen to the WAV file at this site

http://home.comcast.net/~lfogelson/

Thanks

aigel · aigel's Garage

Yikes! That sounds pretty ugly! Noises from the chain housing that go away when the engine heats up are an indicator for chain tensioner failure. The chain is looser when the engine is cold, once the engine (cylinder and heads) warm up, the chain gets more tension because the cam practically moves away from the intermediate shaft. I think the noise yours make is pretty close to the 'draggin a chain over the edge of a trash can' that people describe when tensioners go bad.

Fix it immediately, don't even start it any more. I recommend to have it towed if you don't do the work yourself.

George

Rot 911 · 10-15-2003, 05:29 AM

Don't start that engine anymore you have a collapsed chain tensioner!!!!!!!!!

KTL · 10-15-2003, 05:37 AM

I agree!

That is the 'draggin a chain over the edge of a trash can' sound.

Chain tensioners need attention immediately.

ubiquity0 · 10-15-2003, 06:33 AM

Is it possible to have a carrera tensioner that is starting to go bad in increments? I occasionally get some chain noise when cold (noticeable, but not 'quick-turn-the-engine-off-right-now' noisy? Could it be a failing ramp if these were not updated when the tensioners were done?
thanks

power · 10-15-2003, 06:44 AM

Don't start the car anymore! Research this topic first (if you haven't already) there are some critical procedures around having work done on, or doing work on your cam chain system. If you are doing the work yourself, take the chain covers off and look at the whole chain assembly very closely. Try and determine the problem and what needs to be replaced. Could be several thing's causing chain noise. Once you have diagnosed the problem and have come up with a plan of attack, procede with caution, as it's very easy to loose tension on your chain and loose your cam timing. Having to retime your cams with engine in car is very difficult! Read all posts on this topic before doing any work as there are several threads explaining how to avoid loosing cam timing while working on chain system.

makaio · 10-15-2003, 06:51 AM

Time to upgrade! It really isn't that difficult, it was the first project I tackled on my SC. Just follow the directions on this website & in Wayne's book. The hardest part for me was re-setting the timing of the distributor.

UTKarmann_Ghia · 10-15-2003, 07:28 AM

How many miles are on your SC???

LFogelson · LFogelson's Garage

138K miles.

I have been putting off the upgrade...time/money issues ;(

It's been a bad year... 2nd gear syncro went out at the beginning of the year, my summer house and garage got flooded/crushed by Isabel. I need to bring the car to a shop because I have to try and work more to pay for the toys. My free time is spent cleaning flood damage and dealing with insurance companies. I could really use a ride in my car as a pick me up.

Padrino · 03-25-2004, 05:23 PM

I have the chain in the trash can noise (really loud) AFTER the engine is warm and drive at least an hour. This is the EXACT opposite of the leader on this forum item. What the heck might it be???

ubiquity0 · 03-25-2004, 05:29 PM

Failing hydraulic tensioner. As engine temperature rises, the oil pressure drops to the point where its not enough to maintain sufficient tension on the chains. Don't drive like this

Randy Webb · 03-25-2004, 08:24 PM

Outstanding! Internet to the rescue -- we are using hyper-modern technology to diagnose a 20+ year old car....

Padrino · 03-25-2004, 09:42 PM

I'm still pumping 40-60 lbs pressure after the engine's warmed. I don't think it's oil pressure to the tensioner. Any other ideas?? Ken