Quote Originally Posted by sebastianHoff
if it was the timing chain you'd here it all the time. i used to run gunk or jp5 through oil just beofer i changed it but i cant get that anymore. try the atf it should work.
Bullshit. The timing chain can be loud at startup because its taking up slack. Ever heard a Ka that is first showing signs of tc problems? Turn on, clack clack clack for a while and then quietens down. Eventually it will be at the rest of the rpm range.

My g20 had a high port 20de in it with the previous owner and before he swapped the motor it needed a tc replacement and did the same thing.

Im sure the lifters are nasty too though but I dont want him to think it may be a 100% easy fix.