Timing Chain Slack

[nismo_tuner125]

I changed the head gasket on my L20B a few days ago and within the last 2 days I've noticed a slight ticking sound. Initially I thought maybe it was the valves, but after poking around a bit more I noticed the dizzy side of the chain has a good bit of slop in it and I'm sure that is resulting in the ticking sound that I hear. I hear it sometimes at idle and low rpms, but I can't hear it once I start getting around 3k and higher. It isn't terribly loud from the inside of the car, but definitely noticeable if you listen for it. This is my daily, so is it something that I should minimize the driving that I do with it for now?

 

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B5pPsASNEknTQk02ZWh6cTB3NTA&usp=sharing

[datzenmike]

Must ask if you blocked the timing chain tensioner to prevent it falling out during the gasket change??

 

There is very little slack on the driver's side because the crank pulls downwards against the resistance of the valve springs and cam. If you pull or push hard enough against the chain the cam will turn and there will be some slack but when running it will be snug.

 

The head was off... check the valve lash.

[nismo_tuner125]

The tensioner was wedged with a block of wood. I followed the steps outlined in the How to rebuild your Nissan OHC manual.

 

I meant to look into the valve lash earlier today but didn't have time to pick up a set of feeler gauges. I'll take a look and report back.

[datzenmike]

Seems the place to start.

[banzai510(hainz)]

if you rotate the crank clockwise the tite side should be tight

then ck the slack side if really loose and the slack side guide

then get a light and look down the chain and see how far the tensioner is out.

 

Mine was out and cocked 45degs but motor still ran

[nismo_tuner125]

Adjusted the valve lash today and the ticking sound seems to be normal now. I can still hear the lifters tick but it's quieter and not intermittent like it was before. Sounds like I think I remember it sounding before the head gasket change.

 

In regards to the chain slack, turned the crank clockwise to remove the driver side slack, the other side had very little slack.