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TR5/TR250 Timing chain tensioner completely shot

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Got_All_4

Got_All_4

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About three years ago I had to change my cam shaft. At that time I noticed a little wear on my timing chain tensioner witch had about 30k on it. So I replaced it with the one in the picture. My old one was black. I didn't get the cam degreed properly and the engine keeps stalling at idle so I took the front part of the engine apart and with only a couple thousand miles on it this is what I got. Is this the result of cheap Chinese parts or is something else going on. Sent a pic to my TR mechanic and he said he's never seen one that bad.

20240228_162352.jpg
 
Got_All_4 said:
About three years ago I had to change my cam shaft. At that time I noticed a little wear on my timing chain tensioner witch had about 30k on it. So I replaced it with the one in the picture. My old one was black. I didn't get the cam degreed properly and the engine keeps stalling at idle so I took the front part of the engine apart and with only a couple thousand miles on it this is what I got. Is this the result of cheap Chinese parts or is something else going on. Sent a pic to my TR mechanic and he said he's never seen one that bad.

View attachment 96183
Click to expand...
I am no authority here, but am passing on a recommendation that has been on the TR3/4 sites. The recommendation is that you polish the outside edges of the chain that come in contact with the tensioner.

You might check your tensioner to determine how hard or soft the metal is. One thing the I have noticed with some of the TR3/4 tensioners is that the curvature varies considerably. This would then apply greater or lesser pressures against the chain.
Charley
 
Cheap Chinese parts strike again. The steel in the tensioner was bad. I wonder if some manufacturer
could make a good one with a suitable coating to address this type of failure?? I have NOT seen
a good quality tensioner come from China. NOT made from spring steel (IMHO).
Mad dog
 
I wonder about Good Parts. Saw Richards stuff yesterday online. I sent an email asking about the quality of their tensioner.
I'm thinking of getting all new parts in there. I do trust Good parts products. I didn't replace the chain the last time. Just installed the new tensioner, cover seal and a new oil seal sleeve. Never would have thought of polishing the chain edge.
 
Got_All_4 said:
About three years ago I had to change my cam shaft. At that time I noticed a little wear on my timing chain tensioner witch had about 30k on it. So I replaced it with the one in the picture. My old one was black. I didn't get the cam degreed properly and the engine keeps stalling at idle so I took the front part of the engine apart and with only a couple thousand miles on it this is what I got. Is this the result of cheap Chinese parts or is something else going on. Sent a pic to my TR mechanic and he said he's never seen one that bad.

View attachment 96183
Click to expand...
I'm curious to know if you heard a lot of chain rattling with the tensioner in that condition? I'm hearing a rattling in that area on my TR3.
 
Recently I did notice a creaking noise before warm up. Same noise I've been hearing for years in my TR3 particularly after I installed a new water pump.
 
Yes I talked to Richard Good today. He has the hardened gears and high quality chain. I asked if he produces the tensioners but he said he buys the same ones everyone else does. I mentioned that mine was silver and everyone else's are black. He said he'd never seen one before. I'm undecided if I'm going to get a solid cam gear or an adjustable one. Going to let my mechanic decide.
 
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