Timing chain noise update opinions anyone?

[NuBlackCavy]

If you read my song and dance on the water pump install I posted earlier, here's what I know about the condition of the valve ticking noise: IT ONLY OCCURS AT IDLE SPEEDS BELOW 700 RPM. From a cold start with the computer in bypass mode, the RPMS are at about 1000 and the noise does not exist. When the engine warms up and the stand idle speed drops down to 600 or 550 rpm, the noise returns. A friend of mine thinks that it MIGHT be a minor adjustment of whatever trims the timing setting at low idle. I don't know what that device is since this engine doesn't have a distributor so I haven't a clue what possibly gets "twisted" into position, vacuum-assist or not. Hopefully we're not talking about another timing chain case teardown even though, if that were to be, it WOULD be at the mechanic's expense. I'd appreciate feedback on what device presets the "GOOD" timing range. Maybe the new platimuim plugs and inline wires tripped things up a bit since the originals were worn and pitted (plugs) and heaviliy corroded (wires)....

[deadBird]

I'd suggest listening to other cavi's. If it's the sound I think yer talking about, it's common for a timing chain in cavi's & sunbirds.

[NuBlackCavy]

Thanks for the suggestion. As it turns out, the mechanic did one more teardown at their expense to fix the problem. Somehow, one of the tensioners wasn't responding at lower oil pressure (there are two piston modes of operation and one was sticking) so he did whatever he had to do to get it operational. He test drove the car and made sure that the engine was hot so it would jump down to the low idle (550 - 600 rpm) mode. I was finally satisified with the outcome since I had originally went to him to replace the waterpump. I can think of better ways to spend $940.00 but piece of mind for a spell and the ability to take the car on longer trips in retrospect is well worth it.........