[dkirk]

Got my 3.2 top-end overhauled engine back into my '88 coupe this weekend. First start did not go as planned as I had the distributor 360 degrees out of time (what a dunce!). After remedying my embarrassing mistake, the engine started right up (the good side is plenty of pre-lube was obtained from previous starting/cranking attempts).

Here is the problem...there is a rattle coming from the right side of the engine that sounds like it's from the tensioner area. It is at camshaft frequency (i.e., firing frequency) almost like two valves on one cylinder are making noise. The rattle is present at all engine speeds (didn't go above 2000 rpm). I checked and double checked valve lash on assembly and all are set to .004 in. When cranking the engine sounds like compression is equal on all cylinders. When running, engine idles smoothly and all cylinders seem to be firing equally.

I am running replacement 964 camshafts in this engine. When I assembled, I measured cam sprocket distance from the cam chain cover surfaces with both the original, and the replacement 964 camshafts installed. I used the original shims on the appropriate sides and everything seemed to fall back into line. Both cams turned freely in the housings without any binding. I did notice that the left side cam had approximately .010 axial clearance where the right side seemed to have none, yet they both rotated freely. Both cams were timed at .049 inlet lift @ TDC.

Questions-

1) Is it possible that not having cams shimmed properly could make the noise I'm hearing?
2) Can trapped air in the tensioner cause this effect?
3) Is there a proper axial clearance spec on the camshafts?
4) Anything I can do before pulling the engine again?

Help please - getting close to converting to Corvair power!