Not OK to drive. Not OK to start. Every start risks ruining the engine until you know the timing chain is good.

What may be happening is less noise when the oil-actuated timing chain tensioner is already applying tension because of partial initial deployment due to recent operation.

Is the check engine light on? If so, for how long.

Find a reputable mechanic with confidence in doing Ecotec chain jobs and ask what they charge for your specific car before you take it there.

Do you have a scanner or have a friend with one? The car should be scanned for codes but not driven until you better understand what's wrong.

 

Check Engine Light is on for exhaust cam position sensor. Came on yesterday. Would that be the source of the problem? Really hoping it’s not the timing chain lol, but I’ll get it checked out anyway

 

Post the actual code number. Ex. P0001 ,P0002. Posting a description of a code doesn’t help.

Where’s the 2nd video ?

 

If the exhaust cam is out of time with the crankshaft then the problem will be the timing chain, the camshaft position sensor is working, telling you the camshaft is out of time!
Great now I have Hall and Oates sing rattling in my head!

 

I haven’t been able to get a video of it making the sound. I have been able to get one without the sound though, I’ll upload it here in a few. I forgot what the code was exactly, I’ll go back to autozone and have them read it again.

Great. I do remember the words “over-advanced” being on the screen. They didn’t print it out or anything.

 

Only one way to change or advance the timing, you guessed it, timing chain either streched or the front guide is destroyed!

 

Bet it's P0017. See my prior comment. Don't drive it, don't start it, don't crank it, don't even let a mechanic crank it, until the timing chain is fixed. This means towing the car or working on it where it is. You have been warned.

 

Could be P0016 also, just saying.

 

Which was my assumption in #2.

 

Went back and got it re-tested. P0014.

I also finally managed to get a video of the knocking from the engine bay. New discovery- sound goes away entirely when clutch is pushed in.

Here’s the video; https://youtube.com/shorts/NOL6AJ-yuFg?feature=share