I noticed some odd reflections here and there and what looks like a tooth missing from the driver side idler sprocket in the second to last picture, along with something shiny and maybe metallic sitting on the chain rail below the idler sprocket next to a chain link but the pictures are so low rez and out of focus and with the overexposed blown out blurry highlights it's very hard to judge from them.

Hi all
All 4 covers are off - Night here now and hard to get good photographs however these are passenger side top -others top and bottom looked about same condition to me earlier with a mirror etc. and good light

That really does look like a broken tooth on the photo doesn`t it but can see which tooth it is from the number above it and its still intact and physically there -also no sign of anything physical on the chain /ramp

Oil is Total 15/40 thought was changed at last professional valve adjustment about 10 K kilometers ago but now having doubts about that too (long story)hope to do my own from now on

Dont like the sound of that possible cam shaft scoring - How can I check that ?
Hope Im not just grasping at straws but the noise realy sounded as though coming from chain area would that be the case with the cam shaft scenario?



Thanks
Ian

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1284316472.jpghttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1284316609.jpghttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1284316868.jpg

If i am interpreting the pictures correctly the cams looks fine. The oil when changed out usually is not well done by people so i do it myself i let the oil drain out and the car to sit over night.

The extra 1/2 litre to one litre comes out over night, But i think the cam gears need close inspection.

I am probably very late on this reply, but I bought a 77 Targa for cheap, because it made a heck of a rattling, and the owner thought it was a rod. I checked everything, and replaced the chains, with engne still in the car, split chains. It turned out, to still rattle. I took my bore scope and looked in the case, and the intermediate shaft gear, was wasted. The teeth were paper thin. When tore the engine down, it was missing one of the thrust bearings for the shaft. Check that gear, if it has not been done yet. Thanks and good luck.

Quick bump to see if there was a fix to this?

Feedback
 

I have just seen that I have rather impolitely left this hanging so my apologies and here is latest

Although reluctant to declare this cured in case tempting fate the Engine is now sounding good and pulling stronger
Once I started taking things apart one thing led to another - which probably no surprise to anyone here!
Anyway here`s the list
Replaced both hydraulic tensioners - already had hydraulic and both “looked” pretty much OK but not knowing what to really look for and since I had the parts and the covers off I decided to change them and the final sections of oil supply lines to them anyway as I thought it couldn’t do any harm.
Also replaced left side idler sprocket – tensioner seemed to be more extended left side and though frankly the old sprocket looked good I had the new one so applied same logic as above.
Didn`t change the chains due comments here ref new chains wearing old central sprockets fast and unable to change the central sprocket without full engine drop and split etc.
Removed Smog pump – actually to get better access to left side intake valves but once off decided to leave it off
Adjusted valves
Dropped Pre muffler (fun getting those "cooked on" nuts off )for access to replace elephants foot, rocker shaft and locking nut on No 2 Exhaust valve –The thread was either already stretched or I stretched it when adjusting – hard to be sure
Fixed crushed return oil line from front radiator (Fun again getting the thermostat off!)With the air and heat process at a local body shop
Changed oil to 15 /40 ran 300 kms and renewed again
Could be any, none or all of the above or just that its colder here now but the engine is running much quieter, pulling stronger and seems to get quieter each time I drive it including on the last long drive – guess the real test will be next long drive in summer heat but for time being just enjoying it - will change oil again to 20/50 in springtime and keep my fingers crossed
Best Regards and thanks again for all the help
Ian