vvt chain tensioner

[davidgtrr34]

i have a very loud knocking noise coming from the head so i removed the cam cover i was going to remove the tappets to check to see if the noise was coming from them. i noticed that the vvt chain tensioner can be moved by hand and when i cranked the engine it would go up and down. the car has not being started for 2 weeks and has no oil in it for 3 days. should the tensioner be able to move or should it be solid

[rockmonkey69]

Yes it runs off oil pressure, so it will be slack if it's not had oil pumping through it for weeks. The noise is likely the hydraulic lifters.

[davidgtrr34]

cheers. im going checking the oil pressure and if its normal ill pull the lifters out to check them

[mar_k]

Ignore my ramblings

[Bellend]

Just a tip for leaving oil to drain for ages is to crank with no ignition. There are particular Fords that I will actually do this to anyway even with a quick oil change.