Slight ticking noise.... might have a loose valve guide, or sticking lifter or valve. Only way to find out is to dis-assemble/remove the head. You might be able to see a sticking valve or lifter by turning the crank by hand and watching the valves, but probably not. Is the ticking noise only when the engine is cold? Is it there throughout the RPM range?
There should be a little play in the chain. But it should be taught like a properly tensioned belt. If you feel it is excessive you may want to try bleeding your tensioner, or replacing it:
- Place the timing chain tensioner in a soft-jawed vise.
- Using a small pick or similar tool, hold the ratchet lock mechanism away from the ratchet stem and slowly compress the tensioner plunger by rotating the vise handle.
WARNING
The tensioner must be compressed slowly or damage to the internal seals will result. - Once the tensioner plunger bottoms in the tensioner bore, continue to hold the ratchet lock mechanism and push down on the ratchet stem until flush with the tensioner face.
- While holding the ratchet stem flush to the tensioner face, release the ratchet lock mechanism and install a paper clip or similar tool in the tensioner body to lock the tensioner in the collapsed position.
- The paper clip must not be removed until the timing chain, tensioner, tensioner arm and timing chain guide are completely installed on the engine.
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