Benji97XE

Hi there.

At around 95k I switched my HB over to Schaeffer 7000 5W-30 synthethic oil. I've heard that sometimes the detergent qualities of synthetic can loosen sludge that has settled and leave it clog to clog whatever. At around 99k or so on the new oil, I noticed that I was getting a rattle on cold startups that lasts about one to two seconds. After pulling the valve cover and confirming that the chain guides and chain looked OK I now think that this is the chain tensioner taking too long to "pump up" to tension... pretty sure about it. I've tried changing to a premium oil filter in hopes that a better check valve would keep oil up there, but to no avail.

My question is if it's possible that oil sludge dislodged when I switched over to synthetic (I also on the advice of the Schaeffer dealer purged my crank case with Schaeffer Neutra cleaner) clogged my tensioner and if it's possible or advisiable to dump a whole bottle of Schaeffer Neutra in the crank case for 400 or so miles to see if it will dislodge the clog.

My other question is if it's not just sludge clogging the tensioner how long is it safe to drive with this rattle at startup up. Will the chain rapping against the front cover until it comes up to tension damage the chain or guides... How will I know when it's time to do a timing chain job.

Thanks
-Ben

SPEEDO

if the chain slaps the engine cover long enough, its going to rub a hole in it!

tomit

Benji97XE

Auto-Rx Engine Cleaner. Good Stuff!

Tom