Timing chains - a cautionary tale

[GDPR]

As part of a head gasket job and the need to reset the chain tensioners, the timing chest needed to come off. The RH chain wheel bracket was bent in the process of removing the RH head with a little controlled violence, so the chain was released - this gave a chance to assess wear by the drop test, and the chains were considered scrap so a set of Iwis chains went on.

Something caught my eye during removal and it was that both chains had split links, and to make things worse they had been fitted with the link clip facing the wrong way!!

I would not give split chains house room, except on a pushbike, so it worries me that somewhere someone is supplying split chains, branded Morse, and the unwary could be fitting them, and what's worse fitting them incorrectly. The current owner doesn't know when these chains were fitted or by whom. The guides and tensioner pads were comparatively unworn, so my guess these chains hadn't done many miles but were in a very poor condition and also had split rollers suggesting they were not of a quality I would ever fit.

For those who are not aware what split link is, just look at the far right end of both chains in the photo - if these are ever fitted (not that I would ever recommend it personally) the closed end of the clip should lead in the direction of travel so that anything interfering with the clip knocks it on rather than hooking it off

Russimage.jpg

[Seaking]

Thanks Russ
I for one would never fit chains with split links. I can also remember fitting half links on my old motor cycle chains back in the day.
My Grandfarther taught me the correct way to fit the clip at a very early age.

Cheers Glenn

[flying farmer]

Many years ago a mate of mine working at a local garage was changing the timing chain on a TR7.

He used one with a split link, and put the horseshoe clip on the wrong way around.

On starting the engine the link came apart and bent the valves. His boss was less than impressed!

Neil

[mole42]

Thanks Russ. I'm surprised to see chains supplied with a split link for use as timing chains, as you say, the split link is possibly alright for a push bike but even then, on those bikes used by the tour de Bristol commuters (aka Lycra louts), I'd say it was pushing the luck!

Richard

[robbo]

My Stag was fitted with split link chains when I first got it they were however fitted the right way round. I changed these to Iwis chains. When I removed them they were in good condition along with all the guides, sprockets etc so can only assume they were fairly recent.
Rob.