Timing Chain Adjustment Tips Please
24 posts
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Hi Guys
I have tried the search facility but have not succeeded in finding help - apologies if i missed the obvious.
I have a 1971 Sprint.
The last couple of drives I've noticed on start up a 'whine' (not quite a 'thrash') from the timing chain. I'd like to check it's adjustment.
The workshop manual basically says adjust the tensioner in or out for the least noise....which seems to me a rather broad description, given the wrong adjustment could be problematic to say the least.
Should it be done with a cold or hot engine and I'd really appreciate any tips to get it right please.
Many thanks
Rob
I have tried the search facility but have not succeeded in finding help - apologies if i missed the obvious.
I have a 1971 Sprint.
The last couple of drives I've noticed on start up a 'whine' (not quite a 'thrash') from the timing chain. I'd like to check it's adjustment.
The workshop manual basically says adjust the tensioner in or out for the least noise....which seems to me a rather broad description, given the wrong adjustment could be problematic to say the least.
Should it be done with a cold or hot engine and I'd really appreciate any tips to get it right please.
Many thanks
Rob
- Robho
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See viewtopic.php?t=26441&f=39&start=0#p175063 about half way through that long message as you are not actually doing a clay test, just refitting the cam sprockets and timing chain.
Bill Williams
36/6725 S3 Coupe OGU108E Yellow over Black.
36/6725 S3 Coupe OGU108E Yellow over Black.
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If there is a whine it could be too tight
Alan
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
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Thanks Alan
First time I've adjusted one myself so I'd appreciate a double check since (compared to my only chain adjusting experience on motorcycle drive chains!) it seems quite tight.
The manual quotes a movement of half an inch which taking into account the thickness of the chain means very approximately 1/16th of an inch upwards and downwards from the edges of the chain. This meant tightening mine.
I turned the engine over to ensure it was consistent and rechecked a couple of times for peace of mind.
Frustratingly, I still have the noise, and will start a new thread since I can describe it a little more specifically now.
First time I've adjusted one myself so I'd appreciate a double check since (compared to my only chain adjusting experience on motorcycle drive chains!) it seems quite tight.
The manual quotes a movement of half an inch which taking into account the thickness of the chain means very approximately 1/16th of an inch upwards and downwards from the edges of the chain. This meant tightening mine.
I turned the engine over to ensure it was consistent and rechecked a couple of times for peace of mind.
Frustratingly, I still have the noise, and will start a new thread since I can describe it a little more specifically now.
- Robho
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Sorry but you don't need to take into account the thickness of the Chain.
It's how much it moves midway between the two Cam Sprockets.
So moves up 1/4" and down 1/4" = 1/2" movement.
Hope that helps you.
good luck
Alan
It's how much it moves midway between the two Cam Sprockets.
So moves up 1/4" and down 1/4" = 1/2" movement.
Hope that helps you.
good luck
Alan
Alan.b Brittany 1972 elan sprint fhc Lagoon Blue 0460E
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Robho wrote:Thanks Alan
First time I've adjusted one myself so I'd appreciate a double check since (compared to my only chain adjusting experience on motorcycle drive chains!) it seems quite tight.
The manual quotes a movement of half an inch which taking into account the thickness of the chain means very approximately 1/16th of an inch upwards and downwards from the edges of the chain. This meant tightening mine.
I turned the engine over to ensure it was consistent and rechecked a couple of times for peace of mind.
Frustratingly, I still have the noise, and will start a new thread since I can describe it a little more specifically now.
I have always adjusted it to be a total movement of approximately 1/2 an inch up and down of either edge of the chain, i normally set it as the actual chain width which is less than 1/2 inch. It needs a little force to test this as the jackshaft needs to move and the inlet cam needs to move to ensure the slack is moved between the cam sprockets rather than lower down
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rgh0 - Coveted Fifth Gear
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Do a preliminary adjustment by the 1/2inch measurement method as per the workshop maunual and then use your ear for final adjustment with the engine running.
If it is too loose it will rattle because the chain is hitting the cam cover, on the other hand if the chain too tight it will whine.
Alan.
If it is too loose it will rattle because the chain is hitting the cam cover, on the other hand if the chain too tight it will whine.
Alan.
Alan
'71 +2 S130/ 5speed Type9.
'71 +2 S130/ 5speed Type9.
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Robho wrote:The photos are really clear, thanks, Dave - and exactly what I did (with the addition of rotating the engine and re-checking, a couple of times, for peace of mind).
Cheers Rojo,
Glad things went well..
At least you will have them there for future reference .
R Dave
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yes I agree that it could be confusing to someone coming to it first time.
But it is only a drawing and the words in the top left do say . `Total movement to be 1/2 inch`. It is a case of being obvious once you know.
It is similar in a way to where in section J (brakes) page six it shows the brake master cylinder as nearest the R/H wing, when we know that is the clutch.
Remember we learn all the time.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC
But it is only a drawing and the words in the top left do say . `Total movement to be 1/2 inch`. It is a case of being obvious once you know.
It is similar in a way to where in section J (brakes) page six it shows the brake master cylinder as nearest the R/H wing, when we know that is the clutch.
Remember we learn all the time.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC
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