Idle Rattle Plus Major Overhaul

[san rensho]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

Rattle is most likely caused by Chain tensioners start with IMS tensioner & be sure to get the 2002 updated tensioner with the preload spring. Next replace the 1-3 cyl tensioner located on bottom of engine. Once you have installed both pumped full of new oil run engine to see if the rattle is gone & decide if you want to replace the 4-6 cyl tensioner which is much harder since you have to remove A/C compressor to access tensioner. Also listen for lifter noise at this point & decide if you want to replace lifters while doing the Vario-Cam chain wear pads need to be replaced also (4) this requires removing cams, pads could be contributing to noise, good news is they are cheap. IMS bearing & RMS ! You will notice once you have things apart it is fun to replace parts so inspect everywhere & if anything is showing wear buy new parts then. Water pump unless you have replaceed recently, same for motor mount. OK when you can tell us how you lost your license mate!

I seem to remember reading that If you switch to the new style tensioners, that you need to replace all of them. I can see where you should replace the IMS and bank 1-3 since they both are on the same side of the IMS. But since the 4-6 tensioner is completely on the other side of the IMS, I can't see how not replacing that tensioner could have any effect.

[The Radium King]

before you pull your car apart and spend thousands, check your idler pulleys and auxilliaries. the change with ac engaging suggests something with the belt, not chain ramps, etc., so spend hundreds instead.

[Daniel R]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

before you pull your car apart and spend thousands, check your idler pulleys and auxilliaries. the change with ac engaging suggests something with the belt, not chain ramps, etc., so spend hundreds instead.

Thanks.

I will definitely do this, as I think you are probably right about where my particular rattle is coming from.

I am also interested in replacing anything that may be necessary to replace in a motor that has done 120,000 miles, just to give me the peace of mind that I won't have a catastrophic failure due to lack of maintenance.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by san rensho

I seem to remember reading that If you switch to the new style tensioners, that you need to replace all of them. I can see where you should replace the IMS and bank 1-3 since they both are on the same side of the IMS. But since the 4-6 tensioner is completely on the other side of the IMS, I can't see how not replacing that tensioner could have any effect.

The only big change to the chain tensioners is the external spring to help maintain tension on the chain, otherwise there is no need to change them if working properly. I recommend the OP change the easy 2 based on his mileage & budget. The 4-6 cyl tensioner has been "updated" to a lower profile design & I assume this is for increased airflow between it & A/C compressor.