Cam chain rattle

Hi guys, I hate to swoop into this forum without contributing first, but I'm in a tough position.

My 1998 Toyota Corolla 5speed (120k) rattles like a banshee at idle. It's clearly a cam chain type noise. We tried replacing the cam chain tentioner but the sound continues.

Now my mechanic wants to replace the cam chain and guides, but this will be very expensive. I'm hoping someone will have heard of this problem and has some advice to offer.

Also, I have an exhaust leak around the head/downpipe, we can hear the noise, but can't pinpoint the leak, is there some place common that these cars leak from? I'm just hoping its not manifold crack?

Thansk very much!

if you've already replaced the chain tensioner and it still rattles yes you are going to have to replace the chain, gears, and guides. chain wear on a corolla is common over 100K and usually caused prematurely by a leaking tensioner.

as far your exhuast noise, corollas usually leak at the donut gasket between the manifold and front pipe. put your car in reverse and powerbrake it a little. this will cause the motor to rock forward away from the exhuast and open any gap in that donut. if the leak gets louder doing this then there you go. replace the donut