Yet another chain tensioner query

[Bumpa]

Sorry about this but the slant Triumph engine is new to me. My 1850HL engine has only covered about 60,000 miles and is in good shape. I am working on it to change things like piston rings, bearing shells, timing chain, water pump etc.

The tensioner in the engine is marked "Brampton - Made in France" and as it is only lightly worn, I'll use it again. I also have a brand new Rolon tensioner, and after what I have read here I don't intend to use that. I have been finding out how the tensioner works and I can push it in and lock it, but when I push it down to release it, it only springs up about half way and no amount of prodding will make it come right up. I have inspected the spiral groove under a magnifying glass and there seem to be no places where it could catch.

The Rolon tensioner came with a spring that is a good half inch longer than the one in the Brampton. If I put that spring in the Brampton it works a bit better but still won't spring right out in my hand. Does this matter? If it does, what am I missing?

[Jon Tilson]

Maximum extension on these would be half an inch. The stronger the spring the better, but oil pressure should do the rest.

If in doubt buy one from Robsport or a stag specialist. Have no stories single chain ones failing - the failures are all for the duplex
and Sprint variety.

If it extends more than half an inch you havent adjusted the guide right. It should be set up with just a few millimeters of clearance initially. New ones are supplied with a plastic spacer to set this up correctly.

Be sure it springs out when you push down to release it.

Can you remember how far out it was when you first uncovered it? Typical life on an 8v slant is 80 miles before the odd rattle starts, which means
its time for a change...

Jonners

[Bumpa]

Thanks Jonners. I shall use the longer spring and you have put my mind at ease over how much it should spring out. I have a new quality timing chain and guides so everything should be hunky-dory.

I was putting the crankshaft back in this afternoon with new shells. Lowered it into place and bolted up the centre cap with the thrust washers - lovely. Then I noticed that the crank timing gear seemed to be where the clutch normally sits. Doh, I put it in back to front. I've only been working on cars for 50 years. You might think I would know what I was doing by now.

[Jon Tilson]

Well you could have mistaken it for a 1300 fwd....that has the ring gear on the wrong end....


I wouldn't have admitted that on such a merciless forum....commendable honesty.

Jonners

[Carledo]

Well you could have mistaken it for a 1300 fwd....that has the ring gear on the wrong end....


I wouldn't have admitted that on such a merciless forum....commendable honesty.

Jonners

I know better than to mock another's mistake Jonners - and so should you! There, but for the grace of God, go any of us!

Steve

[Jon Tilson]

Indeed so...

I hope my comments were taken as sympathetically humorous. I wasn't mocking....

I only do that to those that need it....

Jonners

[Bumpa]

Absolutely no offence taken over any of these comments. I felt such a fool when I saw what I'd done, but it was easily rectified. I wouldn't have shared it if I had been upset about it! I posted the comment only to prove that no matter how skilled you think you are, you can always get something wrong.

[GTS290N]

I've met two types of people who never get things wrong.
Liars.
People who never do anything.

[trackerjack]

Indeed so...

I hope my comments were taken as sympathetically humorous. I wasn't mocking....

I only do that to those that need it....

Jonners

[Galileo]

'The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.'