SOS possible chain rattle

dcp

Hi all,
Yesterday started off with a not so nice sound from my engine bay. I have up'd some samples on utube. It only does it on start up and she is cold. Oil was a little low. I topped her up and am pretty much on max now. I use 10W-40 grade. The last oil change was 8k km ago. She has done 86k km. I will drop all the oil in a few days and start again. Any help will be great as im pretty much approaching panic mode. Cheers from OZland. :thumbup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKAnn2ZxCl0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKyoh3PlMIA

vocky

sounds like the tensioner because when you rev it it goes quieter (higher revs equals higher oil pressure, the older tensioners works on oil pressure)

dcp

Thanks for the reply Vocky. It does make sense now. Would i be safe to drive it until it can be repaired? Or is it best to let it sit?. The later will be hard as its my only set of wheels and its required for work. Also, would you recommend a replacement of only the tensioner or whilst the cam cover is off do the whole chain kit (balance chain inclusive)?. Finally, should i bother doing an oil change (if its only the tensioner) just to be on the safe side?. Thanks for the rescue mate. Legend. :thumbup:

taxi_ken

tensioner! i had the same problem and my chain had only been change 10 months earlier.
i just changed the tensioner and problem sorted.
easy enough job to do.

ToonBoob

You should use 5-30 semi synthetic oil. 10-40 is bad for the z22's

dcp

Cheers people. I did a engine flush and complete oil change with a new filter. The noise is still there in the mornings but only for a few seconds. I have ordered the uprated cam/balancer chain kit, gasteks and crank bolt from autovaux...dam good deal in comparsions to the prices from our local dealers here :thumbdown: ..time will tell. Thanks for the advice.

ToonBoob - a fair few Z22SE owners here in Australia run that oil grade as im thinking due to the warmer climate full synth 10W40 is optimal..correct me if im wrong though. Cheers mate.

ToonBoob

Just thought I'd say like, had my cam chain done about a week back and my mechanic (ex-vaux and the best in town. Pricey thoo lol) chewed my ear off about using 5 30. He said 10 40 is bad as it leaves carbon residue every where and shortens the life of your engine?! It goes in one ear and out the other with me. Just do what you feel is right dude.

dcp

Just an update:

I was very happy to get all the parts (cam chain/Balancer chain etc) on the cheap from autovuax. Got the new kit on....Unfortunately, my problem is still present. I called my mechanic up and he was positive that he has pulled the pin out of the balancer tensioner. Are the Z22se known to have faulty oil pumps as he suggested this may be the issue. If they are what would they cost? I do recall Vocky mentioning a cracked exhaust manifold also. My custom headers are a little over a year old so im thinking (bloody hoping) its not that. Any ideas?? as this is turning into mild to heavy PITA. Cheers. :thumbup:

vocky

did he release the tension by pressing it down onto a bench before fitting the tensioner ?

dcp

im not sure mate. I will have to ask. He seems very switched on yet it was his first Z22se chain replacement and alongside of me providing all the parts i even printed him out the tech notes DL for the replacement of both chain kits. What is the correct way to fit the tensioner? i would of thought not to release the tension until it is fitted, yet that prob shows my level of mechanical intellect. He also mentioned that it was all done without a locking tool or alternatives (cable tie). Is this possible? Due to the new uprated tensioner working on spring..does this mean that it retains pressure when the car is switched off?..therefore once kicked over again the pressure is still there and no noise? dunno.. Ive seen mention on stuck pressure release valve (open) yet im getting pressure just not at the start when i first turn it over. The noise disappears after 30 seconds. Im thinking i dont have a blockage as i would be getting starvation all the time. I think i may have to bite the bullet as i have trust in him and get an oil pump and i guess we will take it from there. Sorry for the multiple q's.Thanks for the concern Vocky. Always appreciated mate.