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100 timing chain worn?

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Lambdaman

Senior Member
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Hi all
I have been trying to track down an elusive noise in my engine compartment . It appears to be coming from the from the frontal area near the radiator. It is a metallic tinny
rattling vibrating noise, it appears at low revs at idle and disappears when revved. I have removed the fan belt and it persists so,it is not generator or water pump. I have held the exhaust down pipe when it is present and have not been able to damp it either. I able beginning to suspect that the timing chain may be worn or stretched and may be slapping on the inside of the timing cover.
any thoughts ?
Regards
David
 
Mine made a noise like that years ago. It was a fairly slack timing chain. There is also a neoprene tensioner around the cam sprocket that takes slack out of the chain. Fortunately, it's not too hard to replace both chain and tensioner.
 
Healey 100 said:
Mine made a noise like that years ago. It was a fairly slack timing chain. There is also a neoprene tensioner around the cam sprocket that takes slack out of the chain. Fortunately, it's not too hard to replace both chain and tensioner.
Click to expand...
Did I read/see and ad for an upgrade timing chain tensioner someplace and maybe from one of the UK suppliers? Anythings better than the original setup.
 
Also check that crankshaft pulley retaining nut has not loosened up & allowed pulley to walk on woodruff key, used to see that a lot.
 
I'd agree with Healey 100. The 100 engine has a ring on the camshaft sprocket which tensions the timing chain. Ignoring the noise can have disastrous consequences. It is not a difficult job to replace the tensioner but it is a lengthy one.
 
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Thanks every one for responses, have gone to order a new chain and they are currently unavailable form AH Spares and Ahead 4 Healeys, anyone know another source?
regards
David
 
Don't know what part of the world Newcastle is in but try Healey Surgeons, Maryland just outside of DC.
 
David,
Don't forget to replace the 'rubber' tensioner on the camshaft sprocket as well as the timing chain.
 
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