68ss350

Hello all, just wondering if anyone here has encountered the same problem as me. When i start my car on early mornings, the timing chain makes a slight grinding noise. It only makes this noise occasionaly, however. I believe the noise is because the tensioner inside the timing chain cover has blockage and doesn't get oil pressure on initial start up. The car makes the sound for only about .5 seconds, and it runs fine without any problems. I just drove it out to Lake Havasu in 120 degree heat for about 600 miles with no problems. If anyone can be of any help, it would be greatly appreciated.

hammeron

i haven't seen other reports of this. i see why you may
be concerned....i've read about how on some
fresh engine builds, if the tensioners aren't primed
manually, or if the engine is started and the
tensioners don't prime up quick enough, that one
of the timing chains could jump a tooth. it's hard
to imagine how this can happen, but never the less
it has been reported on other boards.

what is the fix? not sure, maybe going to another
oil rating. changing the tensioners would be an
annoying weekend project, that's for sure.

68ss350

thanks hammeron... no kiding it is a PITA on this car to get to the timing chain. Like i said, the car seems to be running fine but next time i change my oil, maybe i'll change the weight. It has 5w20 in it, what do you think i should swithch to?

Vanquish1

on muscle car TV on Spike TV they recommend that you take your timing belt off and wash it from time to time and scrub all of the gunk and corrosion and dirt and what not off of it. I think you should also lube it up before you put it on. Not sure if timing chains work the same though.

will

cleaning a timing belt thats insane,$35 and get a new one. Don't oil a belt of anykind the petro in the oil will eat the belt up and make it easier to slip teeth.

Vanquish1

thanks man. That must of been the camshafts they had soaking in oil then. I knew there was something but I didn't want to mix it up.

hammeron

not sure what oil to switch
to, or if it would even help. if a tensioner
is not holding pressure there may only
be the one fix.

hopefully it won't get any worse and maybe the clog
can work itself out over time

68ss350

thats what im hoping. It hasn't made the noise for about a week and i drive it everyday so we'll see what happens. I'll keep posting if i hear it again or what not.