I have a 07 Outlander 800 that has started making more ticking sounds than I remember. I seem to have tracked it down to the rear cylinder, so I pulled the valve covers to check the valves and timing chains. I have been reading through threads, but not finding good full size pictures of what the chain and gears should look like if they are still in good shape. The chain doesn’t seem to be fully falling into the grooves on the gears, but this may be normal. Here are some pictures after setting the rear to TDC. Before doing this the chain was so loose on the non-tensioner side I could almost pull it off the gear.

I’ve read a lot about checking the guides to see if they are worn, but not sure what to look for other than obviously broken or plastic being worn away. I don’t see anything, but can’t seem them all that well.

Sounds like many go by the number of threads showing on the tensioner. Mine has 11 on the rear, and 9 on the front.

Here is how it was sounding.

Valves were within spec, so thinking the chain and guides probably need to be replaced. Thoughts?