Anyone know how to adjust timing chain tension?

[RiddleMcFiddle]

how to make it a little tighter?

It is a screw adjuster on the tensioner?

pictures or a guide would be a great help if anyone has done this.

[-Jamie-]

I'm guessing u mean the top chain, 14mm lock-nut, and a 7mm spanner, turn the 7mm spanner anti-clockwise

[RiddleMcFiddle]

a specialist said it sounds like my chain is a little slack.

My mate is a mechanic, and said he can do it. Just trying to get an idea of whats involved before i give him the go ahead.

[Chewitt]

there are 2 adjusters

top one and lower one...which is more of a b*** to get at.

whilst on the subject is it an "engine out" job to replace the timing chain?

[RiddleMcFiddle]

god knows. why would it need replacing?

Arent chains meant to last 'forever' (or a very long time) ?

[BGB autosport]

Chewitt- its not impossible, i took the chains off mine to inspect them all with the engine in place. Its not easy but very possible, the problem is getting the front pulley off. If you have the facility it may be easier to take the engine out.

[BGB autosport]

Just to add, there are 2 timing chains, top and bottom. There are also 2 drive chains, one for the high pressure oil pump and water pump, the other for the oil scavenge pump.

The 2 timing chains can be adjusted from the front cover, the 2 drive chains need the cover removing to adjust.

Be carefull, its better to run the chains slightly loose than overtighten it, putting more stress on an already stressed and badly lubed half time bearing!

[johnbear]

I've had specialist nearly destroy an engine through over tensioning the cam chains. I wouldn't let a mate near it even if he's spanner monkey unless he's a SP6 specialist.

[justyr]

As someone else said, better to run the timing chains not like bowstrings for the reason given.
I asked on this forum for the procedure, but I reckon the tension is better setup by an experienced SP6 mechanic: even when you know the procedure, you can't tell how tight to set it up if you have no previous experience.

SP6's are noisy engines and it is folly to attempt to quieten them by high camchain tension.
J

[RiddleMcFiddle]

surely when turning the adjuster once it feels tight, you just back off 1/4 turn and done.

Cant be that hard, but yes i accept that its best done by a specialist with a familiar eye.

[tail slide]

johnbear said:

I've had specialist nearly destroy an engine through over tensioning the cam chains. I wouldn't let a mate near it even if he's spanner monkey unless he's a SP6 specialist.

Same happened to me.

Very easy to put a little too much tension on and wear out the front cam bearings within a few hundred miles.

[justyr]

RiddleMcFiddle said:

surely when turning the adjuster once it feels tight, you just back off 1/4 turn and done.

Cant be that hard, but yes i accept that its best done by a specialist with a familiar eye.

How do you know that backing it off 1/4 turn from 'tight' sets the right tension? This is blind path to follow.

Above all, it is WAY better to have it a little bit noisy than wearing out the halftime bearing.
Further, the chain has to be quite slack for it to make any significant extra contribution to the overall noise. If it is too quiet, it is probably too tight.

Don't do it folks, be advised. Get it double checked by a trusted specialist if in any doubt.