The old noise (loud) was there all the time, in gear or not, clutch in or out. The chain had loosened up since my last check, about 1"+, not enough to mark the case, but noisy and clattery.

Put it all back together and set at 1/2-5/8" slack, and now chain noise is smooth and quiet with no other noise. Bearings all ok, thank goodness. Ken

 

IIRC 1/2-5/8" is for a hot chain and 5/8-3/4" is for a cold chain.

 

One notch down, too loose. One notch up, too tight. Ken

 

I agree with that completely but like I said the amount of slack you're supposed to have depends on wither the chain is hot or cold.