d2alfa Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Hi, I heard a tinkling noise from the front of the engine and found a gremlin had punched a hole in the timing chain cover , from the inside! It appears that the tensioner has failed and caused the damage. After reading the Forum I assume that I should replace the chain with an IWIS rather than assume the chain is undamaged - it has cut grooves into the tensioner. I assume that to replace the chain either one or both sprockets will have to moved off their respective shafts? One trouble found so far is in trying to get the old oil seal out of the cover ready for a replacement to be fitted - any suggestions would be most welcomed. Regards David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jerrytr5 Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 There should be two small holes in the cover into which a pin punch may be inserted to drive out the oil seal. If you remove the cam sprocket that will enable replacement without removing the crank sprocket. The chain man should be able to sort out a decent chain - I did see one of our specialists advertising an uprated tensioner but can't remember which one, I'm sure someone will know. Jerry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PYU940F Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Hi Alfa engines have a removable link in their cam chains. It makes removing so simple, no sprocket removal. Has anyone ever though about producing similar for the TR? Simon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 An old tip for new chains . . . . . soak in motorcycle chain lube or wax for 24 hours before fitment to the engine. And similarly coat the sprockets and tensioner whilst you're at it. 'Bike chain lube sticks like the proverbial to a blanket, always good preparation for a fresh start-up. Apologies if I'm teaching knowledgeable TR folks to suck eggs ! Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chilliman Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 I did see one of our specialists advertising an uprated tensioner but can't remember which one, I'm sure someone will know. Racetorations do the uprated one which I've got fitted with the Iwis chain - just had to pull the cover to replace the seal and the tensioner is as good as when fitted (about 7K ago) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hamish Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 Alec you have a PM. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
d2alfa Posted October 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 Hi Guys, Thanks for the advice. I will look for the two holes and punch out hopefully this morning. Also contact Racetorations for uprated tensioner. Will soak chain etc in oil before fitting cover. I have read the Forum on similar issues and have found the advice extremely useful. What a good group! Regards David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
d2alfa Posted October 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 Hi Jerry, There is no sign of the two holes in the cover on either the old damaged cover or the replacement but thanks for the thought. Regards David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chilliman Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 There is no sign of the two holes in the cover on either the old damaged cover or the replacement but thanks for the thought. I've got several TR4 engines in my garage at present and I've never seen such a thing as described....... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
graeme Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 Hi Jerry, There is no sign of the two holes in the cover on either the old damaged cover or the replacement but thanks for the thought. Regards David Six cylinder engines have the holes, never seen a four pot with them. I suppose you could just drill two 1/8" holes to allow a pin punch to knock out the seal. Cheers Graeme Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Hi David, with a decent ( IWIS ) chain you should not require any fancy tensioner. The standard current offering appears to last OK. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Hi Roger ~ Where can one buy a IWIS chain? Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Hi Tom, Moss. http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/timing-chain-heavy-duty-057151ur.html?assoc=585981 Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 (edited) Cheers Roger ~ Can this chain be fitted without the tensioner? Good to have you both back! Tom. Edited October 25, 2017 by Fireman049 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paul J Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Hi Roger ~ Where can one buy a IWIS chain? Tom. Hi TomAs it happens I've just this afternoon fitted a new IWIS chain supplied by the chain man including postage £28.85 endless ready to fit. andy@the-chain-man.co.uk he's most helpful and unlike the way buying has become the chain arrived today before payment. No connection other than a satisfied customer who has always supplied top quality chain. Paul Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Thank you very much Paul ~ I'll place my order with him. Best regards ~ Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
d2alfa Posted October 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Hi Paul. I have ordered a new chain from Andy. Managed to remove oil seal by knocking out with a hammer. Thanks all for information David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mike3md Posted October 26, 2017 Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 Tom, You will still need the tensioner. Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted October 26, 2017 Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 Thank you Mike ~ Regards ~ Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paul J Posted October 27, 2017 Report Share Posted October 27, 2017 Following on from fitting the new timing chain and tensioner, today I tried a sunny road test, it has greatly improved the engine response and running. The old chain had a good 10mm slack on the trailing side, I also had to use another set of holes on the cam sprocket to get the valve timing correct. Would have been easier had I removed the fan and radiator but managed ok. Not without setbacks, with the rocker cover off and a cold engine the top cyl head ally core plug was found weeping. Also tidied up the fuel pipe work and after my trial run I found the rear carb spilling fuel, in disturbing the pipe work a little bit of hose decided to obstruct the float valve. All in all a worthy exercise, originally removed the timing cover to repair an oil leak from the gasket. It came to me today that owning a classic car keeps one hand in your pocket (reaching for your wallet) and the other in your tool box, all good fun though. Paul Quote Link to post Share on other sites
d2alfa Posted October 27, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2017 Good point; I must check the core plug for leakage David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
d2alfa Posted November 13, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2017 My project progresses. Have left the original crankshaft sprocket in place and removed the camshaft sprocket to replace the timing chain. I obtained an Indian manufactured and a German manufactured timing chain. The first is very slack but easy to fit whilst the latter is too tight to fit. Now confused. David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted November 14, 2017 Report Share Posted November 14, 2017 Hi David, I used the Moss (German) on two 4A rebuilds and although the cam sprocket was a good fit to get on once fitted there was adequate slack in the chain that required the tensioner - in other words it was normal. Where did you get the chains from. ? How much did you pay for the German one?. Somewhere between £30 and 50 is about right. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
d2alfa Posted November 14, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2017 The German chain came from The Chain Man and cost £23.45 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Z320 Posted November 14, 2017 Report Share Posted November 14, 2017 (edited) See this video of my new german IWIS chain from 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fh_6EdQOUs Next weekend I will check the chain tensior, because I have been told the silver one are not durable, but I have got a black one in stock. Ciao Marco Edited November 14, 2017 by Z320 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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