2 things: Engine rattle/knock and right side gasket

[skirecs]

There seems to be a rattle/clattering in the engine, although I can't pin it down to when it happens.

sometimes its cold and it does it, sometimes hot, although it only does it under 2500 or so, that might be only because i can't hear it anymore

it cycles every 1.5 seconds maybe, 3-6 rattles or taps and then it will do that for a minute and then go away

i don't think it is rod knock because of the randomness of when it will show up, as well as the time between hearing it, its nowhere near every cycle of the crank (at least i hope it isn't)

cam end play?, camshaft tensioner a little loose perhaps?  ill take out the tensioner this weekend and see if its seized

any more minimally invasive checks?



second thing, if i take the right side cover off will the gasket go to peices on me? id rather get one first if i need it

[Paulcet]

From what I have read here, camshaft endplay noise only happens when hot, and under 2k rpm. And that's what mine does. Yours may have a different problem or unusually large clearances at the camshaft ends. Try a screwdriver handle cupped to your ear with the pointy end on various spots on the engine to narrow down the location.

Gasket: probably need a new one.

[skirecs]

sounds about right, ill try the screwdriver when its not raining