I'm getting a loud rattle that I'm pretty sure is the timing chain in my 2002 Terios (1.3L K3-VE engine). It had a noticeable noise when we bought the car a year ago but it's much worse now. I'm looking for the absolute cheapest way to prevent my engine from blowing up.

Is it possible to adjust the tension in the timing chain without having to replace the whole thing?

I've read that it's possible to just replace the wear-pads ("slips"), rather than buying an entire kit - is that true? Any idea where I could get some? (I think that parts aren't usually stocked in Australia, I may have to import them).

Is it a big job to get in and fix/replace it? Ie, is it the sort of job that a sufficiently motivated, halfway competent person can do in a weekend or two? (I'm aware that it has to be done RIGHT, but as long as I get the markings correct I should be able to bumble through right?)