Loose timing chain

[panthertd175]

I own a 2000 9-3 2.0L and had noticed a relatively loud rattling noise coming from the right side of the engine (left side if you are looking under the hood). I removed the valve cover and found the timing chain was noticeably loose. It doesn't appear loose enough to be able to slip a tooth, though the chain is definitely not taut. I can move the middle of the chain probably a good 1.5 - 2 cm from top to bottom. I can manually move the intake cam sprocket to make the chain tight. When I do this, I can see the tensioner guide does move to keep contact with the chain, it just doesn't seem to be able to maintain tension itself. I have read that replacing the timing chain tensioner an engine-out job, and would just like another opinion confirming the tensioner is shot and is causing the noise, and I want to make sure it can't be replaced in the car before I go tearing out my engine.

[saabchilten]

if you're hearing a "death rattle" from the engine that's changing with the rpm, then it's most likely time for a replacement. before the chain in my father's car was replaced, it did make that same sort of noise, and there's no other way for me to describe it. look at it this way though: you can easily fix and upgrade lots of things with the engine out!

[earthworm]

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=137843

http://www.geocities.com/ng900set/TC...er.html?200728

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=130643

These should give an idea as how to proceed.

[gorillajin]

Can you explain more about the noise?
I totally thought that my car had the timing chain problem, but it wasn't the chain. It sounded like death rattle whenever I started my car. It disappeared after I drove about 15min.
It was idle pulley, tensioner pulley. Make sure you use a screw driver to pin point the noise. If you do not hear any rattle noise when the screw driver is touching valve cover, it might not the timing chain problem.

I don't know whether the chain suppose to move about 1-2cm when you life it up or press it down, but make sure you check those pulleys and water pump too.