Twincam tensioner plunger mystery

[lotustastic]

Hello,

As I am beginning to reasssemble my twincam weber engine from boxes of parts, I have a few questions. As I purchased this car and engine in somewhat disassembled form, I am out to solve some mysteries as I go through each component. Upon disassembling the timing chain tensioner unit, I discovered that there was no spring in the housing and the washer was missing from the end of the tensioner screw . Anyway, I have read somewhere in this forum that the tensioner spring should fit mostly up inside the tensioner plunger. However, there is a blanking plate close to the end of my plunger and wonder if anyone can tell me if this is normal or is this some piece of metal shoved or stuck inside the plunger which shouldn't be. The latter wouldn't surprise me considering that the tensioner assembly was assembled without a spring and somehow being used without the washer on the end. I've attached a picture for reference. Also, can the washer be purchased separately?

Thank you,

David D.
1968 S3 Elan Coupe SS

[Lyn7]

Hi David, your plunger is not normal and I have never seen anything like it. I cannot imagine what the previous engine builder was thinking. Maybe the chain was stretched/worn beyond adjustment?
I would suggest buying new here and getting it correct as you do not want timing chain faults! Can be expensive!
Good luck Lyn.

[rgh0]

Looks like some previous DPO / engine builder replaced the washer and spring with a plug that the adjusting screw pushed on directly. I would get a new plunger unless the plug can be easily removed and the rest of the plunger is in good condition.

cheers
Rohan

[el-saturn]

it looks soft---- so get a drill to it, drill the small 1,5mm oil hole, an external polish and off you go (spring??) sandy - from the alps

[lotustastic]

Thank you all for your comments and confirmation. I'll take proper steps to put it back to stock form the way it was designed.

Cheers,

David D.