Cam chain

[Peter-j8c3u]

I know Ajp engines are a bit clattery when they’re cold but....
Since changing to Shell Helix Hx5 15w40 I’ve noticed more cam chain noise and now of course I’m going to have to take the oil filler neck off to look at the tensioner. I’ve read some posts about shimming the rod but can’t help think at 17k miles it shouldn’t be necessary. I swear I heard a bit of chain slap once when I started it up. It soon quietens down when it warms up but I need to satisfy my curiosity.
Any advice,personal experience or tips appreciated.

Edited by Peter-j8c3u on Tuesday 27th September 23:52

[gruffalo]

The clatter you hear when cold is not from the cam chain but more likely the valves and the pistons slap due to the short pistons used in the AJP.

Nothing inside an AJP fits that well until warm.

I am sure others will be along soon to add more detail but a quiet when cold AJP is a problem. They are never quiet even when warm.

[Peter-j8c3u]

I know I’m thinking too much about it and it’s good to be reassured but you know how it is when you want to have a peek to satisfy your curiosity

[DuncanM]

gruffalo said:

The clatter you hear when cold is not from the cam chain but more likely the valves and the pistons slap due to the short pistons used in the AJP.

Nothing inside an AJP fits that well until warm.

I am sure others will be along soon to add more detail but a quiet when cold AJP is a problem. They are never quiet even when warm.

Love this, especially the last paragraph

I run 5w-30 in my Cerbera and it loves it, noisy though!

[Peter-j8c3u]

I still want to have a look though.
Am I correct in thinking anti clockwise on the crank pulley will give the slack on the tensioner side?
If nothing else we can all give our 2p on the findings

[Jhonno]

15W-40 is thick at cold.. Did you mean 5W-40? 15W-40 is a mineral oil..

[Peter-j8c3u]

Al Melling recommends Shell Helix HX3 15w40 mineral oil, I had some HX5 I needed to use up though.