Timing chain tensioner

Evening all,

Brought a 2.25 Petrol and had it running as a spare. So thought I’d check all the tolerances and rebuild it. Everything is Standard including all the bearing shells which is great news.

The only thing I’ve found is the timing chain tension sprocket was rather chewed when I opened up the timing chest. The tensioner was at a weird angle which I think made the chain cut into the actual casing (see pic).

The chain is fine so I’ve ordered a new sprocket. I’m going to replace both crank seals and rebuild / keep as a spare but would any of you knowledgeable folk think of anything else that may caused the chain to cut into the case (about 10mm in)?

Thank you in advance

Rich

So the chain and the sprocket were rubbing on the casing in the area circles red, surprised the chain is still ok , how much play was between the tensioner piston and its housing, I replaced mine as it had light scoring , but if the bush inside the housing was worn could be an issue. Assume all bolts tight.
I would refit the tensioner and gear and see where the play is , is the shaft worn or the gear hole, does that gear fit other way round so you can see if if still touches.

Hello Steve,

Thanks for the reply. When I took off the timing cover the tensioner was slightly bent out but all bolts were secure. I’m thinking that it wasn’t bolted flat against the engine before PO bolted up the case.

All seems well with the bush etc but the sprocket seems like it’s made out of aluminium. The chain is ok which is a bonus.

Rich

Also to add, the tensioner seemed quite stiff to open and close until I stripped it down so could have been loose (chain).

I’ve checked the parts book and there’s not a spacer after the tensioner sprocket as I thought something was missing