1998 Toyota Corolla Suspect timing chain rattle

1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
15,900 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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7A6B9C
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98 corolla. 1zz motor 159k. Engine rattle at idle- intermittent. Not the serp tensioner. Removed valve cover and noticed chain loose/slack between cam gears. Turned motor to topdeadcenter and removed and reloaded and reinstalled tensioner. Timing chain seems tight only on compression stroke, and has quite a bit of slack between compression strokes on the cam gears. I can literally pick the chain up about a half an inch between the cam gears when not on the compression stroke. Should I dissassemble and look for stretched chain, worn gears and worn chain guides?
Oct 19, 2009 at 12:26 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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Yes, I would replace chain, tensioner and guides, that is a lot of play. Inspect gear teeth for wear.
Oct 20, 2009 at 9:39 AM
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