just an FYI...

the symptoms I was having were exactly those of the cold start timing chain rattle. completely identical.

aside from the fact that my chain was rattling, there was a problem with too much pressure in the engine... enough to push out the dipstick, as well as splattering some oil. at the end of each commute, it would be out.

the problem came down to my oil level being too low. 2 quarts to be exact. I recently had an oil service from the dealer, 2000 miles and 5 weeks ago, so i didnt think to check it.

brought oil back to level and both problems completely disappeared.
the chain rattle was literally driving me up the wall, getting progressively worse.

apparently the car burns more oil than usual.

sorry if the same situation was listed somewhere else, i couldnt find anything that was exactly the same, and since the chain sounds fine now, and i didnt have to replace anything (and i almost did) i thought i would share this...

i just hope i didnt damage the timing chain or anything else for that matter...

 

If I were you, just to be safe. I would put it up on a lift and check to make sure that the timing chain tensioner bolt is not backing out causing some of your engine's oil loss...it's been known to happen.

If it backs out completely while driving, the under side of the bonnet gets a bath of oil...not to mention oil starvation for the engine.

 

thanks for the heads up...

is there any way to point it out in a picture or a link? i cant seem to find information on where it is, or what it looks like....

 

Check posts #22 and #42 in this thread.

 

thanks all!