Never saw that one coming

brighton911 · 02:05 AM

My buddy dropped his 930 engine off so i could fix some oil leaks on the top end. I disassembled the left side first and noted the cam chain had a master link that used E clips to secure the plate rather than a single clip. You can see them in this picture:

So on to the right side the next day. I had the 2 valve and the front chain case cover off and was rotating the engine via the front pulley, purpose being to remove the rocker shafts and rockers. I happened to look down at the cam chain and saw the master link but with no clips! This was a running engine so I can't believe they were off before it got to me yet there is nothing I could have done to dislodge the clip(s). The side plate fit was quite loose (as opposed to a press fit) and I pulled it off the pins with no effort. I have turned the garage upside down looking for the clips. I have fished in the cavity around the intermediate shaft gear with a magnet and nothing. I am at a loss to explain how this could be yet it is. Really hate to split the cases on a nice oil tight engine but it's looking that way. I should mention that on the left side chain, one of the E clips is rather a loose fit on the pin, the other is tight as expected. In this picture, you can see the link with no clips.

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Any thoughts? A substantial cash reward for a tip that results in the safe return of the clip.

Flat6pac · 12-18-2014, 04:19 PM

How many master links on a single chain? You might be able to find the missing clips if you open the case but the small clips might not be seen and they can't get into the oil system. Change the chains to a good master link.
Bruce

blue911rsr · 12-18-2014, 05:00 PM

Cut the oil filter open carefully and look in there maybe that's where they are

tocobill · 12-18-2014, 05:15 PM

If it is a screened pump Im sure they didnt make it to the filter. IF they did Im sure the pump would seized or there is some damage inside. I'm sure they are stuck on the inside of the case some where. I bet if you put a washer in some oil and stick it to a metal wall it will take some time to fall off. Go to your auto parts place and see if you can barrow a b-scope and put it in the oil drain plug for a look. They are most likely suck on the inside of the case around the bottom of the case. Once you have a rough location either a magnetic reacher or a claw reacher tool should do the trick.

tctnd · 12-18-2014, 06:26 PM

They may have never been installed. Typically they don't just fall off.

regards,
Phil

brighton911 · 10:28 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. Yes, I looked in the Pellican catalog and saw the master link they carry have the single clip style link that I am used to. UPDATE However, the Iwis chains do have the E type lock rather than the single clip.
Looks like my buddy got about as lucky as you can. I'll keep looking and report the latest news.

txhokie4life · txhokie4life's Garage

At a minimum -- your buddy owes you a cold frosty one.

nice find,

M

HawgRyder · HawgRyder's Garage

Remember...the single clip style goes on with the closed end facing the direction of travel.
Think of it this way...if the chain were to brush against something on its way around the circuit...the clip would tend to be pushed on...rather than pushed off.
Bob

brighton911 · 12-19-2014, 02:32 PM

Thanks Bob I know you have motorcycle heritage and so do by trade I so clip direction is second nature. Never hurts to chime in! I can say my friend is one lucky guy, the thought of that chain piling up in the intermediate gear is chilling.

Dave

HawgRyder · HawgRyder's Garage

Right Dave....I have seen cases cut in half when the chain gets to flail around.
Reminds me of an old Knight's weapon....very effective on aluminum.
Bob

HawgRyder · HawgRyder's Garage

Right Dave....I have seen cases cut in half when the chain gets to flail around.
Reminds me of an old Knight's weapon....very effective on aluminum.
Bob

JFairman · 12-19-2014, 07:21 PM

Yup, I learned that playing with bicycle chains when I was a kid.
You can see the master link and it's clip position at 6 o clock on my left side cam sprocket here...

sc_rufctr · 12-21-2014, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brighton911

My buddy dropped his 930 engine off....

Any thoughts? A substantial cash reward for a tip that results in the safe return of the clip.

Is there any chance someone had taken the covers off and had a play around before it got to you?

I can't imagine that link plate ever staying in place in a running engine.

brighton911 · 12-22-2014, 05:48 AM

I completely agree, can't see how the link would remain on a running engine without clips. And no, unless my bud is playing a cruel joke, that engine went from running, to out, to my garage.
This weekend I flushed out the chain cavity with clean varsol and fished around some more with a magnet and a borrowed boroscope. Looked in the oil return holes and also scoped inside the crankcase with the boroscope. Nothing. So the mystery remains unsolved.

tabasco · 12-22-2014, 06:19 PM

A friend had a 3.8L engine running with the master link open.
The first engine builder thought he had installed a single piece chain.

The engine ran, and during the next big upgrade Jeff Gamroth found the chain was actually a chain with master link, and the master link was not closed.
The engine ran several thousand miles with the chain open.

So I agree with Phil, the clips may have never been installed.

brighton911 · 12-23-2014, 10:26 AM

Thanks for sharing that story Tabasco. Well, it appears there are two people (engines) out there that are incredibly lucky and what is wrong with luck!