Chain noise and pressure fed tensioners

[Gene Smith]

I've got a noise that I thought was a chain slapping at slow idle and when I shut down the engine. I pulled the timing chain covers and here are photos.

Do I have enough travel left on the chain tensioner pistons to keep my chains safe or does it look like the chains are in need of replacement.

I haven't checked the valve timing but the engine pulls very well on the top end.
The engine had one adjustable tensioner when I replaced both tensioners with pressure fed kit. I'm thinking the manual tensioner stretched the chain.

Does this tensioner liik like it has enough piston travel left before touching the case?

There is no debris or beat-up guide rails...

Ideas?

Is it a big job to replace the chains? I don't want to split this old magnesium case if I don't have to. Has anyone replaced a chain with a master link chain with the engine in the car?

Thanks!

Gene

[hcoles]

No ideas on the noise. I replaced chains/ramps/etc. without splitting the case but the engine was out. I don't see why it could not be done with engine in. Not sure you need it, let's see what the experts say.

[Flat6pac]

On the first pic, use a screw driver to lift the idler and see if you have sufficient travel left in the tensioner.
You might swap the tensioner from one side to the other and tensioners do get soft and noisy around 2000rpm when they are failing.
Bruce