My Chain Tensioner's Shot

PJMARKOW · 02-08-2005, 10:30 PM

Well the motor in my 930 has done 400 km after my rebuild, and I was just checking it after a tuning run when I heard this loud rattle from the right side chain case. I shut it off straight away. Sounds as though the right hand chain tensioner is kaput. These are the pressure fed variety, and seemed OK when I was doing the rebuild. Has anyone tried replacing chain tensioners on a early model 930 with the engine in the car? I have fitted GHL headers and I think I can remove the exhaust and turbo as one unit.

Cheers

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

I know it can be done on an early car... If you can get knuckle room in there, have a go. You know it's not too big a deal to do a partial drop, that might be a better idea?

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

If you remove the tinware and parts of the exahust it can be done. I just did something similar a few weeks back (replaced one of the left hand cam seals) and all I needed to do was remove the distributor, tinware, tentioner line and muffler to get to the chain box. Keep in mind this was on an MFI car though.

asphaltgambler · 02-09-2005, 04:49 AM

I believe if you remove the rear engine mounts and support the assy with a jack, it can be lowered enough for access. I'm sure the muffler and possibly the engine cross/mount bar will have to be removed.

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

The crossbar and engine mounts don't have to be removed at least on the early cars. Also you don't have to lower the engine either. You'd be suprised how much room is in there once you remove the tinware and muffler. I didn't even have to jack up the car.

3.2 CAB · 02-09-2005, 08:12 AM

I am still in the process of replacing my tensioners, after removing the rear engne tin, muffler and a/c, there was plenty of room to do the task on a 3.2 with the car on the ground. I now have the engine back together, except the muffler, a/c and tinware. Had I not had the back problems I would have een finished long ago. I have learned many interesting things while doing this tensioner replacement though, and after I get it all back together, I will post a listing of my discoveries that I found out during the install. Though your engine is different, there should still be enough room to make the swap, without dropping, once you get the extra things out of the way.

mtelliott · 02-09-2005, 09:13 AM

Another suggestion. I had the same sound from my engine about 1000 miles after my rebuild. I thought that I had a chain tensioner failure.

After some investigation, I found the rocker arm pivot had come loose on the exhaust side due to not torqueing them properly. I could of sworn I was hearing the slapping of the chain.

Michael

PJMARKOW · 02-09-2005, 11:05 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. On closer examination I think I can get the turbo and exhaust off as one unit, after I've removed the intercooler and tin (bloody turbos, more stuff to remove). From the noise it was making I'am pretty sure it's the tensioner. Sounded exactly like a chain banging against something. I will do the tappets and check the head bolt tension while I have all the oil drained so all rockers will be checked as well.

Cheers

markmaunz · 05-12-2005, 02:30 PM

Hi and just a quick question about the tensioner failure. Did you do any top end damage when this happened? Im looking at an 83 SC that has lost power supposedly because of tensioners and timing is irratic. Do you thing there has been top end damage to the car? Scareds to buy a big problem. Thanks, Mark

PJMARKOW · 05-12-2005, 07:15 PM

No. In the end the tensioners weren't the problem. It was the clutch throw out bearing. If the tensioners have failed then it can be a big problem. Is the car still running? Does it rattle? If it's lost power, then you can presume the worst (bent valves etc).

Cheers

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

Sounds like a job for the compression tester (and leakdown). Both should tell you if there are any bent valves.

While I'm no expert I can't see how the timing could be erratic wihtout skipping teeth on one sprocket or another. (which sounds like a chain pulled over a trashcan)