[Healeys] 100 Timing chain tensioner question

[Rich Chrysler]

Bert,
 
The possibility of the rubber tensioner ring breaking up will occur with one
that's 55 years old, having become old and brittle. A new one will certainly
be there to do its job, shouldn't break up and will be quieter. The noise
I've heard will be most noticeable at low revs, like a low rattling, but
hard to describe. I would recommend you certainly install a new one as I
always do on these Hundred engines.

Rich

-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Bert Van Brande
Sent: 2011-08-03 7:53
To: List Healey
Subject: [Healeys] 100 Timing chain tensioner question

Is there a consensus on the 100 4-cyl timing chain tensioner ring?  

When searching the archives I find a lot of compelling arguments for leaving
it out as well as arguments for putting in a new tensioner ring.  In short
the arguments against are it can brake up and clog oil passages and cause
damage vs. it's doing the job it's supposed to do and take up any slack,
reducing wear on the gears and chain and keeping things quiet.

My engine is out of the car, rebuild by the PO without tensioner, not sure
if that was intentionally.  I am going over every part of the engine before
putting it back in the car in a month or so.  Now would be easy to put a
tensioner ring in.

BTW, when the engine was fired up 6 years ago after I got the "project" car,
there was no apparent or excessive sound coming from the timing chain area.

Bert
56 BN2
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