Timing chain tensioner - does it need to be replaced?

https://www.tundras.com/threads/rattling-from-passenger-side.138712/page-2#post-3860483

 

I don't doubt that it could eventually lead to a failure. CCN implies the same by saying it does need to be fixed, the question is how soon.


However, that was the only post made by that user and there was no other information given. Lack of data = lack of credibility

 

Care car nut….

 

Mine was pretty noisy, I tried a couple of synthetic 5w30s, when I swapped to Amsoil, it got quiet and hasn't made a noise sense.

 

"Hasn't made a noise sense."

So several 5w 30 didn't help...

So that means you haven't started it. Or you work for or have stock in Amsoil?

 

Tried Mobil 1 5w30 for 5k miles - still noisy

Tried Supertec 5w30 for 5k miles - still noisy

Tried Kirkland 5w30 for 5k miles- still noisy

Tried Amsoil 5w30 - Quiet

If you're ever in Orlando FL you are more than welcome to come listen to the truck. If I'm lying, I'll buy you a 12 pack.... but if I'm right - you have to video your apology and post it here...lol.

Also, other than being a customer, I have nothing to do with Amsoil.

 

I thank you for the info. I also didn't get improvement with thicker oil. Now I'm wondering if Amsoil is really that good. Maybe it's worth the price...

 

You're welcome.

I read about someone on here trying different brands and running an analysis on each oil change. He had also mentioned that amsoil made it quieter, so I gave it a try.

It is worth it to me. Just wait for a sale on their website and you can get free shipping.

 

Well I started that thread when I first got the truck I was shocked at first of the rattling sound but seems like it hasn’t caused major motor fails .I’ll change it to 5w30 next oil change but other than that it’s still there but I do wanna fix

 

Mine does the same on 5w30 but only when it's cold and on my driveway which is inclined for about 2 seconds!

Its odd and just started overnight it seems (5k oil changes @ 108k)

 

As an Amsoil salesman, and an avid user. I can attest to hearing of his experience. Also have had clients say it got rid of their tick in their hemi’s. On a side note, haha, if anyone is interested in purchasing let me know!

 

I thought the "Hemi Tick" was a exuast manifolds leak? How would Amsoil leak out of the motor then fix a leak in an area that is so hot it would instantly burn the oil?

Does Amsoil also fix the dreaded chevy ignition switch problem?

 

The exhaust manifold issue is one of them, but they also have lifter issues as well. We ran the cleaner through it, filled it up with signature 0w-20, and has been quiet since ‍♂️.

 

I had the dreaded timing chain rattle. After hearing several people tried the Valvoline Restore and Protect, I tried it with my oil change last week. Unbelievably no rattle any longer. I'm sold.

 

Under what conditions were you getting the rattle? I have a slight rattle for about 1-2sec only under certain conditions.

Nose up on the driveway (its steep) and under a 40 degrees ambient temp cold start, outside of that I get zero rattle.

 

Depends on where your getting parts toyota kit with everything is 1000 bucks I would not buy some cheap internet partially you will do is put a new one on. These hydraulic tensioner have a built in lock to keep it tight. I put 365000 on it 200000 of those it has rattled

 

Youtube car care nut old toyota mechanic explains stuff very well. Learned a lot by just listening to him speak.

 

I have an opinion based on what I have seen (various teardown videos etc.).
I believe that it is a combination of three things:

1. 1. Space and leverage of the driver's side tensioner vs. the passenger side. The driver's side has a big leverage disadvantage and requires more force to keep the chain tight. This also allows the chain to push it back much easier. If you take #2 and #3 below and this creates a perfect storm.
2. Tolerances. The problem is the most persistent when the temperatures are cold. I believe that the fit of the piston to the housing is just a little too tight when cold causing the piston to hang up in the bore. Just a little, but enough to where it will take a second or two to rebound. This is not an issue when new and everything is clean but just a little oil varnish makes the problem apparent.
3. Oil varnish. Just a little around the bore causes the tensioner to be a little sticky.

The driver's side also has a small check valve in it. I did not see this on the passenger side in the teardown video. I am not sure what this is for or what it does but could this be limiting pressure in the unit? If the pressure is limited, does it allow more chain movement?

I am willing to bet that the guys/gals who do very little short runs and a lot of long distance with their trucks will not see this as frequently. This would IMO follow the varnish theory. Does the million mile 5.7 have this problem? I would bet that it does not.

I am intrigued by the posts above claiming that different oils eliminated the issue. Is a different oil with a very high detergent (Restore and Protect/Amsoil) enough to remove some of this varnish? Is it that simple?

I do not believe the this rattle only at cold is harmful. I do not believe that it will ever harm the engine. But I do agree that it is VERY ANNOYING and makes your truck sound like a total pile of crap. I have been there It only feeds my hate of timing chains...... Can I have my timing belt back?