Is a faint cam-chain rattle on cold start normal on the 16v?
First second or two on a cold morning I get a light top-end rattle that disappears once oil pressure comes up. M102 2.3-16. Tensioner, or just live with it?
2 answers
June 15, 2026
★ Best answer
A brief rattle on cold start is common as the hydraulic tensioner bleeds down overnight. If it persists past a couple of seconds or gets louder, replace the chain tensioner and check the rails. Cheap insurance on these heads.
June 15, 2026
Mine did exactly this. New tensioner sorted it completely. Do it before it eats a rail.
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