Ian Vincent Posted July 23, 2015 Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 Notwithstanding my having replaced both the timing chain and tensioner when I rebuilt the engine on my TR3a only a very few miles ago, I can hear what sounds suspiciously like the chain clattering the chain cover on overrun if I blip the throttle. Two questions, is that normal for a TR engine (I can't imagine it is) and assuming it isn't, is it feasible to replace the chain and tensioner with the engine in situ? FWIW there was evidence of either the chain or the tensioner hitting the cover when I dismantled the engine which was partly why I replaced both and repaired the gouge in the cover with a dab of MIG weld, touched up with a Dremel. Rgds Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dick Posted July 23, 2015 Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 Yes you can replace them without taking the engine out. Check your sprockets.....if they are excessively worn they will trash a timing chain very quickly. I always use Reynold solid pin chain from a bearing and transmission supplier.....this needs a joining link , the clip of which must be fitted the right way round. Never had a problem in many cars and many thousands of miles. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 23, 2015 Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 Repro tensioners arent the best so you may find its broken. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TriumphV8 Posted July 23, 2015 Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 These Chinese timing chains are also not the best... Sometimes they have sharp edges that cut into the tensioner. Normally the tensioner should not have much to work on a new chain, its quite tight so it is a bit difficult to fit the sprockets and are close to have no play when fitted. Besides the Reynolds the German IWIS are very good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Vincent Posted July 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 Thanks all for the replies - so my next question, if the engine doesn't have to come out, what does need to be removed? Is it a front scuttle and radiator out job? Rgds Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted July 23, 2015 Report Share Posted July 23, 2015 (edited) Thanks all for the replies - so my next question, if the engine doesn't have to come out, what does need to be removed? Is it a front scuttle and radiator out job? Rgds Ian In my short experience just about everything in front of the engine has to come off. The apron, radiator, engine bay cross bar, fan, steering drag link, fan extension with pulley. I didnt have the apron on so it only took me about an hour to take the timing cover off recently to fix a hole in the cover that was likely made with a broken tensioner. Stan Edited July 23, 2015 by foster461 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 24, 2015 Report Share Posted July 24, 2015 In my short experience just about everything in front of the engine has to come off. The apron, radiator, engine bay cross bar, fan, steering drag link, fan extension with pulley. I didnt have the apron on so it only took me about an hour to take the timing cover off recently to fix a hole in the cover that was likely made with a broken tensioner. Stan Yep that about sums it up, on a fully built car I would remove the top wing bolts back to the bulkhead so that you can open the wings out a bit to allow the beading to go outwards then it will clear the front panel and allow it to be lifted up and off, (Leave the ally strengthener bolted to the front panel and just remove the two bolts either end. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Vincent Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Yes you can replace them without taking the engine out. Check your sprockets.....if they are excessively worn they will trash a timing chain very quickly. I always use Reynold solid pin chain from a bearing and transmission supplier.....this needs a joining link , the clip of which must be fitted the right way round. Never had a problem in many cars and many thousands of miles. Just to be sure, would I be right in thinking that the clip should have the closed end facing the direction of travel? Rgds Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dick Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Just to be sure, would I be right in thinking that the clip should have the closed end facing the direction of travel? Rgds Ian That is correct......it is done that way so if it catches anything the open ends are always trailing so the clip is less likely to spring off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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