I've heard some vague things about the possible shortcomings of the single row timing chain on late '84-85 and later engines.

The story goes that if the chain becomes loose enough, the hydraulic tensioner can't take up any more slack, and it begins to rub against the plastic chain guides. If it gets really really loose, it can even (so I've heard) etch a hole in the chain cover, resulting in coolant in the crankcase and ultimate engine death.

I've heard it referred to as the "rattle of death" or "death rattle"...

my question is this: is it really possible for this to happen? I know for a fact that it can and will get loose and eventually break if nothing is done, but what about eating through the chain cover?

any and all replies much appreciated. thanks.

 

Yes, it can happen.

 

Just change your single-row timing chain when your manual tells you to.

 

It's not the tensionser that's to blame. The factory original timing chain guides are plastic. If one breaks the chain can slap around and will eventually eat through aluminum. The fix is to get steel backed timing chain guides

 

The fix is both. Steel backed timing chain guides, and change the chain when you should. The steel backing buys you some time, but there are other things the chain can destroy even if it hasn't worn through the guides..not sure how well you can see, but the chain took a big chunk out of my cover...of course by then it actually probably had worn through the guides, too. I don't have a photo anymore, but there were deep grooves in the side of the cover, also, almost all the way through.