Engine sound: Failed chain tensioner?

[maxman]

Hey guys,

I'm worried.

I went out for a drive today and noticed a little more sound coming from the engine than usual. That last few weeks I have noticed a slight deal more sound coming from the engine compartment, but it's hard to tell with all the exhaust noise. Today's sound was still not all the loud, your typical driver may not have noticed. But I did. At idle it sounds like a failed bearing, a little like the dreaded "chain getting drug over a garbage can" sound. It seems to be coming from the left side of the engine, but I can't tell where for sure. When driving, it seemed to get louder with engine speed, and was more noticeable at some points in acceleration than others. I drove only about 1/2 mile before listening more closely to the engine at idle, then returning home with my had on the ignition switch.

My CIS motor as 55,000 original miles on it had the cain tensioner collars installed by the previous owner. It DOES NOT have the carrera tensioner upgrade.

I'm worried. What should I do? By the time I get the car taken apart enough to check inside the chain tensioner housings, I might as well replace them. Should I call it a driving year and make this a winter project? Am I just freaked out because I recently learned all about then tensioner phenomena with these cars? Am I just paranoid because I had a dream last night that my tensioners failed (I did)?

Thanks for any advice.

`Max

[Zeke]

Well, since you have the safety collars, you could save some worry.

But, why not get a cheap mechanic's stethoscope and listen to both sides on the covers and then on some other parts? I think you'll know right away if the chains are loose.

[maxman]

Did some listening with the stethoscope. If I press the probe to the tensioner covers (at idle) , I hear what sounds like a chain going over gears and a rumble with the beat of the engine. The covers (L and R) sound very similar. It sounds very similar to the sound I get if I press the probe against one of the intake manifold branches. Above and below each bank of cylinders I am getting some sound that goes with the beat of the power stoke of one or more cylinders. Also, the CIS stuff seems (right side) seems to be making some higher pitched sounds. Overall, it all sounds relatively normal.

Is this paranoia (I'v been known to do this), or a real cause for concern. Has anyone had their tensioners fail while collars are installed? It this sounds that I would have to be listening this closely for? If this was a failure, would I be noticing decreased power, backfires, etc?

Thanks!

~Max