Question Oil pump chain tension

[Mr richard]

Please Help
While replacing the timing chain on a 2009 Mini r56 ,Noticed what seems like a lot of slack in the chain that drives the oil pump.Is this normal? There is about 3//8" to 1/2" slack in the chain.
Thanks Rich

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

The timing chain guides guide the timing chain so there is little to no slack in the chain. I'm not sure if those numbers are normal. The R56's are known for the chains to stretch. Image below with the green arrow shows the crankshaft sprocket aligned with the oil pump sprocket. I'd highly recommend you take a look at our timing chain replacement tech article here: MINI Cooper R56 Turbocharged Engine Timing Chain Guides Replacement (2007-2011) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article. It has a lot of useful information and detailed images of the process. You can post a comment in the comments/suggestions section below the article and Nick will reply to let you know if that measurement of slack is okay. Also, did you use the updated 82mm tensioner when doing the chain replacement?

[Mr richard]

I'm assuming that I have the correct chain tensioner ,ordered Pelicans kit 33162.Here is pic of the oil pump chain that I'm referring too.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Yes, that kit does include the 82 mm tensioner so you're good there.

Just linking to the thread where Nick posted his answer to the question: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-mini/934638-question-turbocharged-engine-timing-chain-guides-replacement.html.

Let me know if there are questions.

[Mr richard]

Turns out after buying a new oil pump chain and sprockets their is a lot of slack in the oil pump chain. I assume this is to make it easy to place the chain on when the timing chain is being replaced without removing the oil pump sprocket.