tonsters200

After hearing some crazy chattering/rattling last week I dove in the engine this afternoon to take a look.
I got the valve cover off and removed enough stuff to get a look at the upper timing chain stuff. I removed the upper tensioner as it seemed to be the only thing that "looked" worn. In fact it had worn down to the point that it had a couple holes where the chain rides. It seemed that the thing was also kinda froze up. It looks like the piston thing should move somewhat free. I did get it moving after some work, but it did not seem right.
So question is do you think this would give me the chatter I was getting? I am gonna have to replace this part no matter what I am just wondering. Really I am hoping this is it as I really don't need to shell out the $$$ to fix this thing.
Thanks.......Tony