Joined the Broken Timing Chain Guide Club

[michael.konor]

While in the process of replacing all my "under the timing cover components", I found this:


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Just after I took this picture, I cycled over the engine by hand and the RH Chain Tensioner was popping in and out with a loud snap. The LH was working normally.

This is what it looks like under there now after changing out Chains, Phasers, VCT Solenoids, Guides, Fasteners, and Crankshaft Gears. Also installed the 2V Iron Tensioners:


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[05stroker]

What made you start the change in the first place?

 

[michael.konor]

It was the picture a few weeks ago posted by another person here showing the extreme wear in the chain guides. After seeing that, I had this weird feeling that I should replace the parts under there.

Good thing, the RH side had jumped 1/2 tooth so far.

 

[07silvergt]

maybe I should look at that... I have 14600 miles in my car

 

[TexasBlownV8]

How difficult is that to do with the motor still in the car?

 

[08Eleanor]

Not that difficult, I just had to adjust my timing chain and it took me about 2 hours to pull the cover off, fix the timing, and then put the cover back on and bolt all the pulleys etc back on.

 

[michael.konor]

How difficult is that to do with the motor still in the car?

Not hard at all unless you've got a front mounted turbo like mine. On an NA or roots blower car, I would recommend removing the fan shroud to give you a bit more clearance when removing the balancer.

2 hours is about right, maybe more if you haven't done it before or doing it on your own.

 

[TexasBlownV8]

Cool. That's what I was thinking, removing the fan shroud for more room. Not that I plan on doing it anytime soon, but, you never know.

 

[Tiddies]

maybe I should look at that... I have 14600 miles in my car

I hope you ment 146000.....

 

[TurboX]

A well known and very reliable engine builder told me this only happens when hitting the rev limiter.

I honestly say I never hit the rev limiter but I did miss shifts a couple of times and its possible I did hit it.

 

[crownaviation]

It was the picture a few weeks ago posted by another person here showing the extreme wear in the chain guides. After seeing that, I had this weird feeling that I should replace the parts under there.

Good thing, the RH side had jumped 1/2 tooth so far.

Wow! Talk about trusting the gut feeling! HOELYSHEIT>

Not hard at all unless you've got a front mounted turbo like mine. On an NA or roots blower car, I would recommend removing the fan shroud to give you a bit more clearance when removing the balancer.

2 hours is about right, maybe more if you haven't done it before or doing it on your own.

Removing the fan shroud gives enough room to impact the balancer off.. and plenty of room to work

A well known and very reliable engine builder told me this only happens when hitting the rev limiter.

I honestly say I never hit the rev limiter but I did miss shifts a couple of times and its possible I did hit it.

EEK! Limiter is the GOAL!!! Hope that statement does not apply to 2 step.. Or to a setup that has locked out the VCT.. or I just wasted a crap ton of work tonight lol.

On a side note,, I am about to yank my oil pump for a tss install. I also plan on doing some experimenting with my TFS adjustable crank gears and lockouts. Never really know for sure unless you actually adjust things around and test results.. Glad to see someone else do this while in the car. Really did not feel like pulling the motor although it is not really that bad.

 

[07silvergt]

yeah I meant 146000

 

[ZmanM3]

Glad you changed it out.

 

[TurboX]

Absolutely applies to a 2 step, the slapping of the chains on guides and tensioners during ignition cut out over comes the strength of these parts.

I know many people run 2 steps and WOT Boxes without issue so take what I've been told as you please.

 

[crownaviation]

Absolutely applies to a 2 step, the slapping of the chains on guides and tensioners during ignition cut out over comes the strength of these parts.

I know many people run 2 steps and WOT Boxes without issue so take what I've been told as you please.

I agree it has to be hard on timing components, I am even questioning the oil pump etc.

Right now I think I have a slight and I mean slight advantage with my auto running it a lot lower than a manual would (limiter at 2600 with my 2800 PI tripple disc converter). I also have the VCT locked out completely. Wonder if that will lighten the load on the chains any? My thinking is the vct is making adjustments (changes tension) on top of everything else going on with the limiter active... still thinking about it. If anything I think it would be less strain with the lockouts as it is a more consistent load on the chains/tensioners. I am also using the steel bodied 2v tensioners. My thoughts on that are they may be a little more stress on the guides. Naturally, strengthen one area, that stress moves somewhere else..

Ohh.. the fun. That was a few hours of my life I will never get back if I decide to ditch the 2 step lol.. What is your opinion on using it on a setup like mine? PM me if you want just like all the input I can get.

 

[crownaviation]

While in the process of replacing all my "under the timing cover components", I found this:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Just after I took this picture, I cycled over the engine by hand and the RH Chain Tensioner was popping in and out with a loud snap. The LH was working normally.

This is what it looks like under there now after changing out Chains, Phasers, VCT Solenoids, Guides, Fasteners, and Crankshaft Gears. Also installed the 2V Iron Tensioners:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Bout how many miles you have and what kind of driving does it see? 2 step?

 

[ummduh]

Not to be a dick, but how exactly does one jump a timing chain one half of a tooth? The chain would have to be riding on top of the teeth instead of down in the grooves. I mean, a chain has either jumped an entire tooth, or it hasn't jumped a tooth..


Yes, that is what I decided to fixate on.

After looking at your pic, I'm guessing you meant to say it jumped half a link. Carry on.

 

[michael.konor]

Bout how many miles you have and what kind of driving does it see? 2 step?

4000 miles on this new engine setup, lots of stop and start driving in the city, and no 2 step at all.

 

[michael.konor]

Not to be a dick, but how exactly does one jump a timing chain one half of a tooth? The chain would have to be riding on top of the teeth instead of down in the grooves. I mean, a chain has either jumped an entire tooth, or it hasn't jumped a tooth..


Yes, that is what I decided to fixate on.

After looking at your pic, I'm guessing you meant to say it jumped half a link. Carry on.

Instead of half a tooth, insert "half a link". But you already knew that... Trying to bump up your posting count?

 

[crownaviation]

Instead of half a tooth, insert "half a link". But you already knew that... Trying to bump up your posting count?

Lol.. recovering from being banned? lol..^^^^

That is scarry tho. To have a failure after 4000 miles and no autocross etc.. YIKES! All the parts were new I assume?