Johnnyboi

Hello all. I resently became the proud owner of a '07 LT and am happy to have her. She has some minor issues and as far as I can tell only one major one. Major issue is a loud rattle on passengers side of engine. Believe it is timing tensioner from reading many of the threads on this site. Going to start there. I'm sure I will have a laundry list of questions and look forward to getting to know y'all. Thanks for having me.

Oldblue

Welcome to the site, is that rattling just at start up?
if it continues after start up look at the belt tensioner pulley!

Johnnyboi

Rattle is at idle even after statup

Oldblue

Could be a timing chain issue, pull the valve cover and check it


This was loose enough to cause a rattling

Johnnyboi

Thanks Oldblue that was my thinking as I have read many of the threads on this issue. I plan to pick up new tensioner asap

ACarrell

Welcome .... I hope you get it sorted soon !

Johnnyboi

Thanks ACarrell

firemangeorge

Don't go with just a tensioner. If you've got to take it apart, you should put a complete timing chain set in there. If it has over 100k miles you should also consider replacing the balance shaft chain and the water pump.

Johnnyboi

It does have over 100k on it and did consider the full monty but was hoping to get away with just the tensioner. Am going to have my mechanic go through her this weekend. Thank you firemangeorge

RJ_RS_SS_350

Agree, just a tensioner is a bad idea. The tensioner doesn't fail or wear out. The chain stretches or a guide breaks, and the tensioner can't make up for it. If the chain is even a little loose, replace the timing set. And get the upgraded guide bolt.