I'm wondering how much tension should be on the timing chain after not driving the truck for a week or so? I have the cam/valve covers off and notice slack on the timing chain. Is this normal behavior since the tensioners rely on oil pressure? I removed the VCT solenoid and oil did come out of the hole in the head...did that relieve pressure on that cam phaser and loosen the chain some?

Is there any way to know they need to be replaced without removing the front cover?

Is that slack in the chain normal?





Thanks

 

That's normal. You have a valve that's trying to close and the spring pressure is turning the cam against the tensioner.

 

Here's what I'm talking about...I made this video before reading your comment 70f100longbed so don't take the comment "that can't be right" the wrong way.