I have a 97 XE 4x4, 5 speed; milage is 104,300. I think the timing chain tensioner has gone bad, and the oil pump is not right. I bought the truck last spring. Every time I started it after sitting a while, something would rattle until the oil light went off, which takes about 10 seconds. That makes me think the oil pump is not up to par. Yesterday, the motor started rattling while running, in low speed, and idling. I removed the valve cover. The rockers were all ok it seemed, nothing loose. The timing chain was tight on one side, but loose on the other. I started the motor and then shut it off. The chain was tight on both sides then. Don't know if that means anything.
Using the AC while idling makes the motor rattle. Sounds like the timing chain; in that area. If I turn the AC off, the rattling stops, mostly, but still rattles a little, off and on. I was told that the tensioner is probably broken.
I'm wondering how much it would cost to have the tensioner replaced, and probably the chain too? How much to replace the oil pump?
This is a common question with this truck, and it is normal. The tensioner is hydraulically-operated, and it requires oil pressure for it to actually provide tension on the chain. Until then, the chain rattles loosely. This is normal operation for this truck.
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Try using a higher quality oil filter. Cheap filters have crappy anti-drainback valves or lack them completely. OEM filters should cure most of the rattle. I'm using WIX brand and they last about 2000 miles before the rattle returns.
If you've got the rattle for 10 seconds you might want to look into replacing the chain. Most KA24 startup rattles only last for 3-4 seconds.
Just changed my Chain Set last week, truck was doing same thing, even worse. The previous owner let the chain get so loose the tensioner rubbed a hole/crack in the water port on the front cover and it sucked-up a bunch of water into the engine........
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I took another look at the timing chain and guides. The guide on the right is plastic (I thought some people said they changed to metal for 97) and about the lower third has broken off and fallen down. Can't see it. The upper part was barely hanging on the top of the metal bracket that was fastened to it. For the time being, I used silicone to glue it to the bracket, so it wouldn't fall down. It was staying up there anyway, but I wanted to do something to keep it there. I need to get a new guide put in. Might try it myself. I know it would be a lot of trouble taking stuff off the front of the motor. Just wonder if there are any special tools or techniques I need to know. If it didn't cost so much, I'd take it to a garage. The chain and sprockets look fine, but the chain seems to have a lot of slack. The chain was tight on the left side that time, and loose on the right. The tensioner works ok. I changed oil and put in a filter with anti backflow. I'm wondering if I can get by with this for a while. It was rattling a little while idling. Haven't started it since gluing the guide. With the bottom part broken off, it will probably continue to rattle a little.
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