Nissan Repair: TIMING CHAIN NOISE, nissan hardbody, answer mark

Question
I have always used 5w-30 conventional oil, if I try synthetic and it doesn"t work can I switch back. After sitting for a while I disconnected my distributer wire and cranked for a short time. When I resarted there was no chain noise so it seemed to have pumped up the tentioner that way any more ideas. Also I think this problem shortened the life of the guides after the first time I had the job done it only lasted 40,000 miles. I had another 2.4 and I never had the problem at all.
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Followup To

Question -
I HAVE A 96 NISSAN HARDBODY 4X4 2.4 L, AT 60,000 HAD CHAIN NOISE AND REPLACED CHAIN, TENTIONER, GUIDES,SPROCKETS AND GROMMETS. THE NOISE CAME BACK AFTER 4,000 MILES, AND MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE TENTIONER, IT LASTED ABOUT ANOTHER 4 OR 5000. THE NOISE LASTS FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS AFTER ITS SITS FOR A WHILE.I PUT UP WITH IT UNTIL 106,000 AND IT WAS A STEADY NOISE. HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC DO THE SAME JOB AND I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. OIL PRESSURE SEEMS FINE. ANY IDEAS.

Answer -
Mark,

The tensioner is controlled by oil pressure.  If the oil you are using is not 5W30 I would switch to it.  If you use thicker oil it will not allow enough oil to pump the tensioner up.  Try Mobil 1 synthetic 5W30 and after a few hundred miles it should go away.

Answer
Mark,

You can switch back to conventional oil if the synthetic does not do the trick.  It will not cause you to burn oil and you are right about the lack of oil causing the tensioner guides to wear down.  Chain slap and lack of oil takes the tensioners out early.