General Procedures: Sprockets
- Inspect the timing chain/belt and the sprockets. Look for worn or cracked sprocket teeth, cracked or missing timing belt teeth, or cracked, split or worn timing chain links.
- Install new components as necessary. Refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER, TIMING GEARS, CHAIN AND T for the procedure.
An incorrectly functioning valve tappet can be sticking, caused by contaminants or varnish inside the tappet. The tappet can have a check valve that is not functioning correctly, which can be caused by an obstruction, such as dirt or chips that prevent the check valve from closing, or a broken check valve spring. A tappet with a leakdown time out of specification can cause tappet noise. If no other cause for noisy valve tappets can be found, the leakdown rate should be checked and new valve tappets installed if found to be out of specification.
Assembled valve tappets can be tested with Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Leakdown Tester to check the leakdown rate. The leakdown rate specification is the time in seconds for the plunger to move a specified distance while under a 22.7 kg (50 lb) load.
Air bubbles in the lubrication system will prevent the valve tappet from supporting the valve spring load. This can be caused by too high or too low an oil level in the oil pan or by air being drawn into the system through a hole, crack or leaking gasket on the oil pump screen cover and tube.