Timing chain at 51,000 miles

[unesl]

I hear a clicking sound for the first 10 seconds after a cold start up. Could it be only the tensioner or do I have to go the complete route and do the chain and guides also??

It's a 1988 SL with an original 51,000 miles. Is this to soon with such mileage?
Also, what kind of $$$ am I looking at?

Thanks for the help.

[nhdoc]

The chain itself may be fine but the tensioner sounds like it is the cause of the noise. That's an easy fix. The plastic guide rails however should be changed about every 10 years as they deteriorate more with time than miles. If you are unsure about the last time they were replaced then they should probably be considered soon. For that you would need to break open the chain though so replacement is only another $100 or so at that point to roll in a brand new one.

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by nhdoc

The chain itself may be fine but the tensioner sounds like it is the cause of the noise. That's an easy fix. The plastic guide rails however should be changed about every 10 years as they deteriorate more with time than miles. If you are unsure about the last time they were replaced then they should probably be considered soon. For that you would need to break open the chain though so replacement is only another $100 or so at that point to roll in a brand new one.

It would be interesting to know if a tensioner fixes this problem. My guess is it wont. Or at least the car may require 2 nights of standing instead of one for the noise to occure. My 88 was making this noise. I did not replace the tensioner, just the chain and rails. No noise.

John Roncallo

[RConrad]

My brother has an earlier model and was told about the plastic rails and did not check it out. Cost him $9,000 big ones for a complete overhaul after the engine ate itself up when the chain jumped off!!! Check it out now.....

Ron

[RickM]

The plastic guides are the usual culprit when a clicking/clattering sound is heard for a few seconds after start up. I believe a search will bear this out with instructions on how to address.

[unesl]

Thanks all for the advise. I will get it over to my indy in the next couple of weeks. meanwhile. the 124 gets to drive...

[myanoch]

I would change the guides
Mine had 78,000 on it and the guides were not worn bably but they were very brittle
I believe that they can break after all that time and heat
I also changed the valve seals they also were getting dry after years in the engine
Just my 2 cents

[unesl]

Just dropped her off at Motorwerks in Michigan. Quote is $800 + tax for chain, tensioner, upper guides and all gaskets needed for the work. They will diagnose the exact problem before tearing into it.

Should have it back by Thursday. First time I use motorwerks. Very impressive facility. Will keep you posted.

[ctaylor738]

A new chain, tensioner, rails, etc is a good idea, but a tick for 10 secords at startup may also be the hydraulic element in a ball stud. Chain noise is usually more of a clatter and generally doesn't last that long.

[unesl]

Ctaylor, you might be right. Motorwerks could not duplicate the sound I hear but did mention a lifter as a possible culprit. Maybe I am to picky! They gave the car a clean bill of health.

Chain, tensioner and everything else is fine.

[Roncallo]

A chain is a very distinct nois that will be noticed by more than picky people. More likely a lifter.

John Roncallo