Timing chains

[robbo]

Hi all.
I have just took my cam covers off to repaint and had a look at my chains. The chains in my car are stamped on the links as far as i can make out Siddes and French and I have also found them to be joined with a split link. Now iam not to sure about this link. The chains run quiet and have been no trouble. Everything else looks ok to my untrained eye. I will post some pictures later. All advise much appreciated.
Cheers Rob.

[milothedog]

Hi all.
I have just took my cam covers off to repaint and had a look at my chains. The chains in my car are stamped on the links as far as i can make out Siddes and French and I have also found them to be joined with a split link. Now iam not to sure about this link. The chains run quiet and have been no trouble. Everything else looks ok to my untrained eye. I will post some pictures later. All advise much appreciated.
Cheers Rob.

Hi Rob,

There used to be split chain kits available for the cam chains on motorbikes (otherwise it meant splitting the engine cases to fit OE ones) I wonder if someone has done something similar although I can't see how they could keep the tensioners in when feeding in the new chain


If it has a split link I would think about getting some endless chains fitted

Ian

[robbo]

Thanks Ian
I have no records of the chains being changed. Looking at the tensioner there is around 2mm of shiny section on the plunger which I presume has moved out this amount to take up the slack. Would this type of chain been fitted at the factory? I do have a lot of history with the car it nothing about the chains. The guides as far as I can see again all look ok with no grooving baby sorry couldn't help my self.cheers Rob

[milothedog]

Thanks Ian
I have no records of the chains being changed. Looking at the tensioner there is around 2mm of shiny section on the plunger which I presume has moved out this amount to take up the slack. Would this type of chain been fitted at the factory? I do have a lot of history with the car it nothing about the chains. The guides as far as I can see again all look ok with no grooving baby sorry couldn't help my self.cheers Rob

I have never heard of / seen any car timing chain with a split link in it maybe someone else has the only one I have was in a large engine, the Gardner 6 LXB's which was a triple row chain and much heaver duty.


Ian.

[richardthestag]

So long as they behave and function there should be no problem, fail and you will understand exactly what an interference engine is :-/

Btw mk2 golf gti 8v is non interference, :-) probably best not to mention how i know lol

If it were mine i would be keen to replace with chains of a known heritage.

I had a pushbike as a child and it was the last thing i recall ever seeing with a split link in the chain. I was very good at finding the link and reassembling at the roadside.

[robbo]

Thanks for al the replies. here are some pictures of the chainsIMGP0034.jpgIMGP0035.jpgIMGP0036.jpgIMGP0038.jpgIMGP0041.jpg
Apologies for the quality.
Regards Rob

[martin]

To be honest Rob, that split link is a bit scary ! car timing chains are continuous, the problem is, was that fitted by a PO to remove a link from a worn out chain ? M.

[DJT]

Several years ago I bought a NOS pair of Stag timing chains from a well known Stag breaker/parts seller (not Martin Dimmick) and they had joining links. I raised this with the seller who refunded me the money and advised me to chuck them away, which I did. Can't remember the manufacturer's name now though

[robbo]

Who knows what the P O done Martin. I think I am going to get them changed just for peace of mind. I suppose I was lucky the engine stopped at this point so the split link could be seen. Still I sprayed the cam covers today and the engine now look very smart.image.jpg
Cheers Rob

[martin]

Very smart indeed Rob, nicely done.
You've more or less repeated my point "Who knows what the PO has done". Although it's painful, I think Dave is right, wrap carefully and place in the bin, sorry. M.

[robbo]

I will get my brother in law to do it I just don't think I have enough skill after all he is a mechanic. The robsport chain set look good value. Just got to decide which chains to buy German or Rolon I think.
Cheers ROb

[richardthestag]

German vs standard is up to you.

Standard last a decent time, probably more than your ownership and start to rattle when they need replacing. Oh and they are cheaper.

German chains are reputed to last longer, dont rattle when they are worn allegedly, oh and they cost more.

Hope that helps

[Stagsongas]

Rob,

My guess (and that's all it is) is that chains with split links may have been produced and sold not because they are easier to fit (they would hardly be) but because someone had a source of chain that was broadly similar in all dimensions but came on a big drum. To sell it for an application like an engine it would have to be cut into lengths and joined by a split link.

For me that indicates that the chain is not purpose made, and may not have ideal dimensions, not least in pitch etc. With that much doubt it might be safer to replace them with items made to the correct specification and take a good look at the gears and sprockets too in case they have been worn unduly.

And after all, in other walks of life, we know this well;

A chain is only as good as it's weakest link.

Regards

Steve

[flying farmer]

I remember a mate of mine fitting a chain with a split link to a TR7 many years ago when he worked at the local garage.

He put the horseshoe clip on back to front and it popped off as soon as he started the engine, new valves needed and his boss wasn't happy! It probably dragged out on the grooves in the rubbers as I don't rememer him mentioning changing those.

Neil

[stag8manod]

Hi Robbo, My engine has both chains with a joining link in each one. I don't have a problem with them, but they HAVE to be fitted with the link facing the direction of travel for exactly the reason Neil highlighted above. I have worked in engineering all my working life and seen and maintained many chain drives. Cheers Ian A