Hi s2000, in answer to your question, the timing chain is held taut by a hydraulic tensioner. The tension should be maintained at all times, and if you have a noise on startup, it is more likely that the valves require adjustment as they are not hydraulic, or you have low oil pressure on startup. This is often caused by a partially blocked oil filter or using too thick a grade of oil. Using too thin an oil can also mean the pump takes a few seconds to pick up the oil and get it to the vital parts. My advice would be to do an oil change using a genuine Honda filter, and the best oil to use in those engines is Castrol Edge. Hope this helps.