How do I check what else is damaged?
 

2 days ago I noticed a slight rattle at idle of my '81 SC. Yesterday noticed that the rattle got really loud at idle, but went away at about 2K rpm. I thought that it must be an exhaust rattle. So today I jacked up the rear end and took a look. You guessed it, no exhaust leak. I'm betting that my left side chain tensioner has failed.

So I'm depressed. I have been checking the archieves and it really sounds like I had one of the old mechanical tensioners fail. So I need to bite the bullet and do the upgrade. But I need to diagnose if I have damaged the valves and pistons.

How do I determine the extent of the damage? Local Pcar shop can't fit me in until next week for diagnostics. Plus the tow and their time would be cost prohibitive. JW and Steve W are out, probably spending much deserved time with their families.

With you guy's help and Wayne's book, I know I can do the upgrade. But I don't know how to check the rest.

Thanks,

The only way to check for piston to valve damage is to have a look.
First hand eyeballing is the best...but perhaps you can get the use of a bore-scope.
This is a tool that shooters use to check the bore of a rifle..etc.
It's like a long wand with an eyepiece and optics..and a light source...poke it the\rough the spark plug hole and have a look-see.
Best idea I can come up with.
Bob

I'd strongly suggest further diagnostics. While the car is idling and rattling....find the rattle! If you do not have a stethoscope, use a long screwdriver or a stick. Place one end against your ear, and the other end against the engine in various places. You'll be amazed what you can hear, and how you can isolate sounds this way. Do it. Chances are, some piece of sheet metal is loose.

A leakdown test will reveal leakage at the valves if they are bent. No need to take engine apart.

If it's running, your probably okay.

If you are reasonably convinced it is a tensioner, just do the upgrade or replace the tensioner. It's not a real tough job.

If you are still worried, do a compression check.

2nd the stethescope diagnositics
 

i had a nasty at-idle rattle that turned out to be the (air) valve downstream of the smog air pump. already had tens changed by then, so maybe i wasn't as worried as you might be now. still, a long screwdriver cupped to your ear or a mechanics stethescope may be worth trying.