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1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2018 10:47 pm
by dollyman
Hi All,
There was not long ago a post on dodgy chain tensioners and slipper pads......
I cant seem to find it
Can anyone tell me how to identify them and which one's to avoid
Cheers,
Tony.
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:03 am
by Carledo
Avoid anything with "Rolon" written on it!
Seeeeemples!
Steve
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 6:45 am
by xvivalve
To be fair, the only reported failures thus far have been with the Sprint duplex style tensioner.
The simplex style, 1850, TR7 et al, have far greater application, and may have safety in numbers. I think it will be far harder to avoid Rolon with the simplex variety, but yes indeed, they are the culprit with the duplex failures.
It may be that current stock just means production hasn’t switched to the defective factory...
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 9:24 am
by Bumpa
I had my 1850 engine in bits recently and had bought a new tensioner from one of the usual Triumph suppliers. Yes, it was a Rolon and it differed from the original in several ways, not least in the tiny, tiny hole for the oil passage. Since the original tensioner had only done about 60,000 miles and had minimal grooves from the chain, I put it back rather than risk the Rolon. I think you will be hard put to find a new tensioner that isn't a Rolon, and who knows they might be fine on the single row chain. I just didn't want to risk it.
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:36 pm
by Toledo Man
I've moved the thread here because it is "Dolomite-related".
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 4:58 pm
by dollyman
Many thanks everyone thats a big help
Cheers,
Tony.
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2018 7:14 pm
by Sundowner
Tony,
There have been several threads on tensioners. This is one I started regarding my
SPRINT.
viewtopic.php?t=30444
The problem isn't about the size of the lubrication hole its more about the quality of the bonding between the slipper pad and its metal base. I now have a Jaguar item installed and due to these pics and this article, that's all Robsport will sell you now.
Yep, Rolon definitely is rubbish.
Rob
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2018 10:43 pm
by dollyman
Hi Rob,
Thanks for that, this is the one i had seen before.... Great to find it again
Cheers,
Tony
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 9:01 am
by cleverusername
So it is a Jag bit from Robsport? Didn't know that.
I am amazed that a car part supplier can't find an adhesive that can reliably stick rubber to metal. It seems pretty basic stuff.
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 9:37 am
by xvivalve
THE JAG ONE IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AN 1850. THERE HAS NOT BEEN A PUBLIC FAILURE OF AN 1850/TR7 ROLON ONE YET.
THE JAG ONE IS SLOWLY BEING SUPERSEDED BY SOME SUPPLIERS WITH THE ROLON BRAND TOO
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 10:04 am
by SprintMWU773V
Has the Stag world had any failures? I think they are the same.
Re: 1850 Chain tensioners
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 10:15 am
by dollyman
SprintMWU773V wrote: ↑Fri Mar 09, 2018 10:04 am
Has the Stag world had any failures? I think they are the same.
I was thinking that as well

Anyone heard of it?
Cheers,
Tony.