Is Cam chain loose?

[Oldschooler]

I have a 96 B6 with 23k on the clock now. It starts and runs great. I change the oil every 1500-2000 miles or so.

Lately I'm thinking I can hear a faint noise, like maybe the cam chain is loose and it's making somewhat of a whooshing noise inside of the engine. Not like an exhaust leak or an intake leak (Bikes running great also). When it's cold it's not as noticeable, as soon as it's been running a couple of minutes I can hear it. Again, it's just loud enough that I can hear it.

How long do cam chains last? What do they sound like when they are going bad, or loose? Is this a tensioner issue?

Ok, I know that's three questions but if any of you know could you help me out here? I'm about to go on a 2k round trip and don't want to be stuck in the middle of now where with a broken cam chain and a trashed motor.

Thx,
Jim

[pmackie]

23k is not a lot of miles on the cam chain, so it shouldn't be worn out. Given that you don't put a lot of miles on per year, you could have a sticky tensioner, but usually a loose cam chain would make a "slapping clatter" sound if it is too loose, and it you are changing your oil as often as you say, it should be very clean inside. So I don't think you should be hearing the cam chain.

Any chance your valve/tappets need adjusting?

A "whooshing" sound would have me looking for a vacuum leak, leak into the airbox or check the engine vent hoses.

[Oldschooler]

Well it is due for a valve clearence check. Guess I'll look at any slack ( if any) when I get the valve cover off. If there isn't any I might just be hearing things!