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In this particular case, I think you're seeing ("hearing") the result of no/low tension on the secondary chain. How much pressure do those hydraulic tensioners provide with NO oil pressure like in this case.
Before the front cam lobe reaches the summit , you (with your wrench) are driving the valvetrain and there is tension on the lower portion of the rear chain. After the front cam lobe crests the summit, there's a point where the valve spring pressure becomes the the driving force (in this no/very low speed scenario) and "snaps" the cam ahead and now there is tension on the top portion of the rear chain. I think you're hearing that snapping transition.
Put your finger on that rear chain while this all happening
(I used the same rear view pic of your old Cams/plate and just changed the wording.)
You're Driving it Here
Then the Transition
Last edited by multihdrdr; Sep 5, 2017 at 06:47 PM.
That bearing is not supposed to be that loose. That is why you are getting the click because your cam is wobbling and letting slack on your timing chain. That has to be it. Are they conversion cams?
Hey Multi - Thanks for taking the time to illustrate your point so well! I appreciate it a ton! And yes, I understand what you're saying... It makes sense that the position of chain slack would change depending on the nature of tension at any given time... But it shouldn't make that noise... I also get what you're saying about the tensioners not having pressure right now, but I can hear the noise when it's running. There is a very noticeable metallic tapping coming from the cam chest that must be the same sound... That's what caused me to start poking around...
That bearing is not supposed to be that loose. That is why you are getting the click because your cam is wobbling and letting slack on your timing chain. That has to be it. Are they conversion cams?
It seems really loose to me too... But the rear is no different. I think I'll change them anyway since I have another set and all of the right tools...
The cams are S&S 585s... Not easy starts, just regular (I use manual compression releases).
You've also eliminated the oil pump, crank bearings, pistons, etc. Which is good.
Yes... I'm still nervous, but I'm starting to feel that I'll resolve this and it maybe isn't catastrophic... I'm world-class when it comes to assuming the worst...
Originally Posted by Reindeer
So right now the only thing moving is the cams, rear cam chain, cam bearings, rear tensioner, one lifter/pushrod, one rocker arm, and one valve spring, right? So it pretty much has to be one of those things. You've already eliminated a few of them.
Yes... I'm trying to be logical...
Originally Posted by Reindeer
Damn, wish you lived close so I could see and hear it in person.
Thank you! Everyone's help here is really invaluable!
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, you (with your wrench) are driving the valvetrain and there is tension on the lower portion of the rear chain. After the front cam lobe crests the summit, there's a point where the valve spring pressure becomes the the driving force (in this no/very low speed scenario) and "snaps" the cam ahead and now there is tension on the top portion of the rear chain. I think you're hearing that snapping transition.
