Very true, when I saw it out of my broken engine, I couldnt believe how sturdy it looked. It would seem very strange for it to "stretch" but like I said before, I dont trust dealers.

 

Billman on the US board has replaced a lot of TCT's and he has a couple of theorys about the premature failure.

The glazing of the thread on a part is one, sandblasting this seems to have positive results in creating more friction.

The other is to do with the hydraulic component of the TCT, it seems this might be leaking pressure hence why it can be noisy on the first start of the day so choice of oil might be an issue.

Mobil 1 is coming up as a possible in the problem.
Maybe thinner oil 0-30 for instance might be a factor?

 

Would it be head off to just inspect the chain as well? I had the oil changed when i got the TCT changed as well.

 

I don't know how you would inspect the wear on a chain without removing it.
IIRC with bike chains you hold them sideways and measure the deflection.

Out of interest-
How many miles on the engine?
What oil/grade are you using?

 

mines actually started doing the same thing - replaced the tensioner about 2 months ago. a right PITA - although, its no-where near as bad as it was, and generally seems to do it when oil is at -50%...

actually, on a side note, should there be a warning light come on when oil is low and at what point!?!

Checked mine the other day and i was shocked to have used a litre of oil in just two weeks - oil was sitting just on the 'L' and there were no lights!!!!! The light does work when i switch the engine on though...

edit: Car has done 91K. Using Shell Ultra 5-40w

 

Recommended grade is 10-30w which would give better oil consumption.

Perhaps worth trying next time, see if it improves TCT noise?

I've just ordered some Amsoil 10-30w for the next oil change.

Opie Oils sent me a 15% off code which ends today -
Enter BB711 into the discount coupon section if anyone is interested

 

Why would you have to take the head off the engine to change the timing chain? you dont have to do that when changing a timing belt on any other honda engines?

 

because with a belt you place it onto the wheels from the outside (ie external to the engine), with a chain in a complete engine it would need to be fed on/off..

but if you start turning the crank and you're not turning the cam in sync it's bye bye to straight valves so you won't even be able to get the old one off without damage

go have a look here

 

There is no low oil level light. Its down to you to check the dipstick.

The only oil light you have is a low oil pressure light and if that comes on its usually too late.

 

Careful, thats alot of oil. My engine done that before I found out it was fooked. Was consuming loads of oil.