Timing Chain Split Link Solution

[Marwil]

I have a sloppy pressure fed timing chain tensioner of the right side that I am going to replace with a new one. I may also replace the timing chain if the tensioner appears to be too extended. I intend to replace it with a split chain without dropping or splitting the engine case (that will come a couple years from now after I rebuild the war chest). Trust me I know the ideal solution is to drop and split the engine.

The link that is supplied with the IWIS chain uses two small circlips that some here report may never be seen again after installation unless you dig around the bottom of the case. The preferred split link appears to be the longer u-shaped clip that locks both pins in place simultaneously. Our host pictured them as a part available with the longer u-shaped clip but what actually ships in the type with the small circlips. Kudos to Pelican for their excellent customer support; I explained the situation and they refunded me for the link without debate. They advised that the link I want is not available from the supplier at this time.

So, what to do? I went to General Bearing Service here in Ottawa and they identified the link. They had a few in stock with a u-shaped clip. I purchased one and was quite jubilant about my find - however, the u-shaped clip was a few thousands thicker that the reliefs in the end of the IWIS link. I would just use the purchased link but the riveted ends are not as robust as the IWIS link. My solution was to dress the u-shaped link on my diamond water stone a little as a time until I had a fit that matched the reliefs but allowed for movement without binding. I think my approach is reasonable and I certainly think that it will be more resistant than the flimsy circlip method. The pictures below show the approach and the result. Feel free to provide your feedback.

Available links: IWIS on the left and General Bearing Service on the right


Dressed Link


Dressing Stone


Link Fit

[Flat6pac]

Make sure you install directionally with the closed end in lead or you might be finding it on the magnet.
Bruce

[Marwil]

Thanks for confirming that, it was indeed my plan on installing it in that manner.

[brighton911]

Hi Mark If you get the long clip down to the same thickness as those useless circlips it will be fine. I have seen two instances (locally) of the E clips (individual ones) coming off.

[GG Allin]

Does anyone know from experience which type of clip the Porsche brand part comes with? Based on the pictures alone it looks like it doesn't come with one at all.

I was surprised that the chain itself did not come with the master link.

[PeteKz]

The two shafts of the link have grooves on their outer ends. That indicates some type of master link clip is used. If it was a staked or peened link, it would not have those grooves. All the master links I have seen on other applications use the ubiquitous clip that you see on motorcycle chains. Maybe Porsche did something different, but I doubt it.

[Marwil]

The last time I ordered the links they had the small individual e-clips. The longer U shaped clips were no longer available. That's why I sourced an available link which I cannabolized for the U-clips. The U-clips were too thick so I brought the down to the right thickness using a diamond sharpening stone. Perhaps the links now ship with the more robust U-clip but I doubt it.