when i installed my ka i started it up and there was a really bad clacking at the front of my engine. Sadly when I had the engine out of the car (sigh) i forgot to replace the timing chains, guides and sprockets... yes yes i know now... anyways i went back and replaced the guides and inspected the chains for cracks/ wear. The chains looked good but the guides were shot so i replaced the necessary 2. So i got my car to school in kentucky and now the clacking started again. So i did the standard thing and took off the top chain guide. This worked for about 2 seconds. I didn't get to inspect the chains again because i had limited time and resources so i was wondering what you guys think might be the problem. The noise comes from the top and not the bottom so i am thinkin that the top timing chain is stretched and slapping around in there because it doesn't happen all the time. And occurs once the engine is warm. any ideas help.

 

Try taking off the second chain guide, and checking your tensioner. Sounds like your tensioner might be shot, letting your chain slap around against the other guide. I would do it before it possibly jumps a tooth, and you really have something ****ed up in there.

 

yeah bro it sounds like the timing chain-tensioner is bad and you have too much play. I would agree with purple 240, you should really fix it before you jump a tooth. You dont want your timing off. -Jon

 

I know for a fact that its the tensioner... These guys know their stuff pretty well.. mine did that when i bought it... took the front of the motor apart and then took some mineral spirits and rubbing acohol and some everclear and works great now... clean it if you wanna get away cheap, but i would recommend replacing it if possible... jumping a tooth means bent valves in no time flat.