[lotus54]

12V cam chain noise.

Engine with chain rumble, more noticeable when cold.
 
How noisy before an issue?

[Cole]

If its more noticeable when the engine is cold then it's likely a failed/failing hydraulic cam tensioner.

This cam tensioner is located on the back side of the engine and can be removed/replaced all by itself without opening up the engine.

Think they cost about ~$40 so worth a try first.

[lotus54]

Thanks!

  I'll give it a go.

Mark

[lotus54]

I looked when I was doing the axle, but couldn't see the tensioner from underneath.

Can you get to. It from above without removing a bunch of stuff?
 (I'll look, but if you already Know...)

[lotus54]

I replaced it today.
  I could reach it from above- reaching one hand around the throttle body/intake and the other on the opposite side of it.
 Not too bad.

Seems to be a bit better, but I'll know more after a cold start.
Just has a bit of a growl.

I replaced all the sparking plugs/wires.
  Not the most fun job- and found I had a bad radiator fan motor.

Mark

[albertr]

I hope you filled it with motor oil before installing? Otherwise it might take some time to purge the air out of its body and during that time it might not be able to provide sufficient tension.

-albertr

[robinson1509]

This is for a 12 valve it is a manual tensioner. I never thought the hydrolic tensioners went bad until I saw it with my own eyes. The play in the piston caused it to bind.