'93 B2600i balance/timing chain rattle????

[papiichuulo]

I have a '93 model B2600i 2WD 5-spd. Today when I got home from work, I noticed a rattling noise coming from the front side of the engine where the timing chain and balance shaft assy. are located. Being as picky as I am, the noise is very annoying. I have replaced timing belts on the b2000 a dime a dozen and could probably do it blindfolded. I am not very familiar with this engine. The motor runs, truck seems to run fine while making this noise. Does anybody know if I would be risking anything if I drove it until the end of the week, when I would have time to tear in to it and find out exactly what is making that noise. I need my truck for work, but I do not want to damage the engine in case it is something seriously in need of immediate attention. Any help would greatly be appreciated, thanks in advance...........L8RS!!

[hocbj23]

B2600i has a timing chain,not a belt. It has a chain tensioner as well. Sounds like the timing chain tensioner need to be replaced-while ur in there might as well replace the chain.BJ

[papiichuulo]

Bj, appreciate ur reply. I finally opened it up and lo and behold!!! Slack in the balance shaft chain!! Timing chain was nice and snug. After all the work to get the timing cover off, I wish there were more funds available so I could replace the timing chain too!! LOL

[hocbj23]

Well at least I was partially right-chain(of some sort) and slack.Lol. Those 2600i's are very dependable trucks so if ur chain still looks ok and is not loose,it will probably last a long time. I have a 90 2600i doa in my driveway right now that has never had the chain or tesioner replaced and it has 200,000 on it. DOA due to computer failure. BJ