The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi all

I am in the middle of rebuilding my sprint engine and it is going well at the moment,I am looking at the timing chain tensioner ( a good one from Robsport ) with the spacer, I seem to be having a middle aged moment or not seeing what is in front of me, do I just fit the tensioner with the spacer and it is oil pressure which tensions it or have I got to release the spring inside it, the one I removed had a little nut on the end and an allen key hole inside to turn it for tension.
Thanks for your help.

Only today I have been trying to sort my Sprint engine.
I fitted the chain today, basically wind the tensioner into the pad tube with an allen key making sure it locks. Carefully place into housing. Fit chain, make sure all slack is at tensioner. Fit supplied spacer that goes between pad and body, then push curved guide by thumb pressure, this compresses the tensioner but it can't go in enough to release. Tighten guide, remove tensioner spacer and you will see the pad move as it releases. There will be an 1/8th inch or so clearance between pad and body. Ensure the chain sits roughly equal at each end of the curved guide ( it doesn't seem to contact the first or last 3/4 inch. )
For me, the tricky bit now seems to be setting the vernier pulley, trying do determine max valve lift is awkward to measure.
If you need a brand new Renold tensioner I may have a spare left over, I paid a lot for it so it wouldn't be cheap but is the proper quality part.

Keep the spacer in place and when you remove it you can push the tensioner in and it will release. You can try this yourself a few times off the car to satisfy yourself it works.

If you still have the old style tensioner body nothing to stop you using this and the allen key with the new tensioner pad.
Be sure the ratchet and springy bits are compatible with internal pips etc...

Jonners