Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hello all, really great to have such an active forum for our cars.
I have a problem with mine, a 69 2000.
It sat for a long while, then I recently went through the engine. Put in a new chain but not new gears.
Now it runs find but has a chain ring noise that I don't like.
I looked at the upper tensioner and fixed it I think, with shims, and the oil passage is clear.
The noise is not at start up, but at any time. I can hear it through the chain cover as a high pitched rattle or whine, or ringing, especially using a long screwdriver to the ear, like an old sage.
If anyone has any ideas, thanks in advance. Could it be the old gears not meshing with the new chain?
Ken

Hi Ken,
you usually want to replace the chain and gears as a set. May be the source of your problem.

GeoffM wrote: Fri Jun 22, 2018 3:50 pm Hi Ken,
you usually want to replace the chain and gears as a set. May be the source of your problem.

^^^ I too would bet on this. After a while running the chain/gears take a "set" to one another with familiar wear patterns. Mixing a new chain with old gears could definitely cause what you're experiencing. Always replace with a full matched set.

Thanks GeoffM and MicVelo. I guess I could test that theory by putting the old chain back on, if only to prove what a cheapie I am!
I noticed the chain can slap the guide on the opposite side as the tensioner, if the tensioner doesn't provide proper push. I halfway suspect that is happening, and intend to pull it out again and inspect the oil ports closer.

While you're at it, pull the plugs and rotate the engine by hand with the valve cover off... watch what the tensioner does and make sure it is shimmed enough to stop any significant chain slack. Mine would sort of load up or compress (without oil pressure of course) and allow the cam timing to change... the bottom half of the engine still rotating while the top was stationary for a moment.