How much slack is too much?

[jdkruger4]

I getting ready to take off my valve cover and take a peak. How much slack is too much? If i can push hte chain down by an inch is that too much? Also on my DOHC you can simply remove the top guide correct? No adverse problems? Also by taking the valve cover off will I have to replace the seal on the valve cover? Or will it be good to just put back on?

[NutzDrifta]

I'm not sure about how much slack there should be, but if you don't hear any rattling or ticking noises coming from under the valve cover, your chain more than likely, is just fine.  My car has a slight ticking noise coming from under the valve cover; it's like the chain is tapping something, but the mechanic told me that I have like at least 20,000 miles until I really have to change it.  Oh yeah, and if you do take a peak, you more than likely have to change the valve cover gaskets, because they may not be in the best of shape.  You also need those   o-ring gasket thingies or whatever they're called that goes around the spark plug holes.  It usually comes in the set. Hope this helps.