Daihatsu Hijet: KF-VE Cold-Start Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle

The KF-VE 660cc engine uses a hydraulic plunger-type timing chain tensioner that relies on oil pressure to maintain chain tension. On cold start, oil drains partially from the tensioner during extended engine-off periods, and the plunger takes several seconds to re-pressurise. A worn or fatigued tensioner plunger check-valve fails to hold residual oil, causing an audible metallic rattle lasting 3-10 seconds on start-up. As tensioner wear progresses, rattle duration increases and may persist beyond warm-up. Neglected cases risk chain guide wear and chain jump, which causes serious engine damage. Extended oil change intervals and low-viscosity oil accelerate tensioner wear.

• Metallic rattling noise from engine top-end on cold start lasting 3-10 seconds
• Rattle persisting beyond initial warm-up at high mileage
• Occasional check engine light with camshaft position correlation codes P0016 or P0017
• Slight timing variation at idle after rattle episode

Start the engine cold and listen immediately for chain rattle from the timing chain cover on the front of the engine. Time the duration — more than 5 seconds indicates tensioner weakness. Remove the oil filler cap and check for sludge indicating poor oil change history. If a workshop inspection is possible: Pull a compression test to assess if chain slip has already caused valve timing deviation.

Parts involved: Timing chain.

$380 to $850 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has the timing chain tensioner been replaced or inspected?”
• “What oil viscosity has been used and how frequently were oil changes performed?”
• “Does the engine make any rattling noise on cold start?”
• “Has the vehicle had any check engine lights relating to camshaft or crankshaft correlation?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.