timing chain rattle

[Guest Anonymous]

Greetings,

removed my timing chain this weekend, because of a annoying (very loud) rattle, and noticed the links show signs of wear (small but obvious nicks) on the edges as if they made contact with something inside the cover. Anyone had this before? what would cause the chain to move fore and aft enough to bump the cover or something on the block side? I have not looked to see what the chain has made contact with. Also on the front of the cam it has MMSS stamped on it, again anyone know what this means? Previous owner mentioned some Metric stuff, but nothing solid. Thanks for any help

Dave

'76 Mint Green

[Guest Anonymous]

Also what's the shape of your chain guide? And have you surfaced your head?

[Guest Anonymous]

The chain could make contact with the tensioner rail inside the timing cover, and if it was loose enough, it could contact the timing cover. There is a big plug on the side of the timing cover which holds the tensioner plunger and spring. If the spring is broken, the chain will be slack and will rattle. Also, if the chain is totally worn out the tensioner rail will be at the end of its travel and will no longer tension the chain. If this is the case, replace the chain, sprockets, tensioner rail, spring, and guide rail to correctly solve the problem.

HTH,

Colin