Pneumo
Member
Hey all,
I've searched around and believe my timing chain and tensioner need replacement on my 156k mile 08. On a cold start I can hear an audible rattle from the timing chain for 2-3 seconds which then resolves (I assume this is the time it takes for the tensioner to build oil pressure and engage the chain guide), this happens 2 out of 3 times I start the engine from cold. Once the oil comes up to temp, any subsequent start that day there is no noise whatsoever and I am unable to perceive any other rattle from the timing chain while running or idling. I have been experiencing this issue for ~10k miles, and only now determined what the issue was.
My question is, how long can I keep driving the vehicle before replacing the timing chain and tensioner? I am currently 2-3k miles from home. Waiting that long makes me a bit nervous, seeing as chain failure while driving home would likely result in needing a new engine. But maybe someone with more experience might be able to give me a better idea of how risky this would be.
I have purchased all the parts, manuals, and tools needed and plan to do the work myself. I also have all my other tools with me. If necessary, I can likely find a rent-a-bay and try to tackle it sooner, but I'd prefer to be home where I'd have more resources and don't have to pay for a bay somewhere.
I plan to do an oil change before heading home, knowing I'll have to do another when I complete the job. Is this likely to help the tensioner to gain oil pressure sooner, or is this noise definitely a "stretched" chain which the oil change wont help?
I appreciate any info or advice. I'm trying to make the best of a bad situation!
Thanks in advance!
Ian
I've searched around and believe my timing chain and tensioner need replacement on my 156k mile 08. On a cold start I can hear an audible rattle from the timing chain for 2-3 seconds which then resolves (I assume this is the time it takes for the tensioner to build oil pressure and engage the chain guide), this happens 2 out of 3 times I start the engine from cold. Once the oil comes up to temp, any subsequent start that day there is no noise whatsoever and I am unable to perceive any other rattle from the timing chain while running or idling. I have been experiencing this issue for ~10k miles, and only now determined what the issue was.
My question is, how long can I keep driving the vehicle before replacing the timing chain and tensioner? I am currently 2-3k miles from home. Waiting that long makes me a bit nervous, seeing as chain failure while driving home would likely result in needing a new engine. But maybe someone with more experience might be able to give me a better idea of how risky this would be.
I have purchased all the parts, manuals, and tools needed and plan to do the work myself. I also have all my other tools with me. If necessary, I can likely find a rent-a-bay and try to tackle it sooner, but I'd prefer to be home where I'd have more resources and don't have to pay for a bay somewhere.
I plan to do an oil change before heading home, knowing I'll have to do another when I complete the job. Is this likely to help the tensioner to gain oil pressure sooner, or is this noise definitely a "stretched" chain which the oil change wont help?
I appreciate any info or advice. I'm trying to make the best of a bad situation!
Thanks in advance!
Ian