I didn't mention earlier that the chain replacement 50,000 miles ago was more than just a chain. It was a full valve job, chain, chain rails, tensioner, 8 valves that got bent because one of the chain rails broke, and all hydraulic valve adjusters and oil tubes.

The shop did an OK job, other than the chain still being rattly. The total was $6000. The engine runs smooth as silk and has no bearing knock at any time.

I will take it to Enrique this time for a proper chain replacement. He says there are different chain lengths for this engine and the one in there now is slightly too long. Since the pitch of the chain links is constant, the only way a chain can be shorter must be if the chain rollers are slightly fatter.

I have asked him about the check valve in the oil filter housing (as Jim mentioned) and he didn't believe it would make any difference. There may be something to it though, since sometimes after being parked for two weeks the chain won't rattle at all on startup, and at other times it will rattle when started after two hours.

Harry