TR2/3/3A Timing Chain Cover Crack TR3...#%€£¥^%

[karls59tr]

Just replaced the fan ,rad and apron after installing new speedi sleeve,cover seal and gasket only to find the leak was really coming from a crack in the vicinity of the timing chain tensioner. I remember replaciing a timing cover many years ago because the tensioner had worn thru the cover. guess it happened again. I have a spare cover but I'll have to pull everything apart all over again :-(. I suppose it might be possible to sand down the leaking area and apply epoxy steel compound but it looks like there is a kind of bump where the leak is so there might be another issue with the tensioner or support pin that I should really investigate. Anybody else had this problem in the past?

 

[JPSmit]

I feel your pain but somehow you have ended up posting on the Spridget forum, when, judging by the heading you seem to want the Triumph forum.

good luck!

 

[TR4nut]

I had a broken tensioner wear through the cover as well. I would only consider getting it welded for repair options - too much headache to pull as you unfortunately know. Sorry!

 

[karls59tr]

Re: Timing Chain Cover Crack TR3..Update

I decided to try patching the crack in the cover.I sanded down the bad area with some medium sandpaper. Next I cleaned the surface with brake cleaner. I applied JB Weld in stick form. It's a 2part epoxy putty that you knead into a patch. Let it sit overnight. No more leak. I'll keep an eye on it to see if it holds and do a proper replacement in the winter.

 

[CJD]

Re: Timing Chain Cover Crack TR3..Update

Well, I hope it works...but wouldn't get my hopes up too much. If it wore through the steel, I don't think the epoxy will last too terribly long. But, who knows!

John

 

[TomMull]

Re: Timing Chain Cover Crack TR3..Update

Did a temporary repair like that on my old JD track loader transmission. Dropped a nut inside and it came out through the side, making a golf ball size hole. Two part epoxy and good as new. Tom

 

[CJD]

Re: Timing Chain Cover Crack TR3..Update

Did a temporary repair like that on my old JD track loader transmission. Dropped a nut inside and it came out through the side, making a golf ball size hole. Two part epoxy and good as new. Tom

I'm sure it is...but in this case the tensioner will be pressing with some considerable force against the patch. I doubt that was the case with a tranny case.

Like I said, I do hope it works.

John

 

[karls59tr]

Re: Timing Chain Cover Crack TR3..Update

I should clarify the type of crack that I was dealing with. It seems like it was kind of a V shaped flap. I'm hoping that the Epoxy will seal hard enough to keep the flap down. I know what you mean though about the tensioner pressure. Years ago I had to replace a timing cover as the tensioner had worn right thru to daylight. In any event it's summer and I just want to get some driving in rather than pull the whole thing apart again. Your concern is well taken and I'm definitely going to keep my eye on the repair. Seems like I'm always glancing under the car to check for leaks.

 

[TomMull]

Re: Timing Chain Cover Crack TR3..Update

Point well taken, John. However if I'm not mistaken I don't think the tensioner does the damage, rather an errant chain. In my case, there was very little wear at the point where the tensioner is supposed to contact on cover. Tom

 

[CJD]

crack in the vicinity of the timing chain tensioner. I remember replaciing a timing cover many years ago because the tensioner had worn thru the cover. guess it happened again.

I think it will get you through the summer...!

John

 

[DanB]

When mine wore through I found that the tensioner had broken and that caused the wear through.

Dan B