N14 JCW Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement
Discussion
I've just past the 60k miles mark and had some tuning done (more of which in another thead soon) and thought it may be wise to get the timing chain tensioner done as still on the original.
The N14 gets a really bad rep for these weakening and then the associated 'death rattle' when the chain is allowed the freedom to become lose and can do a lot of internal engine damage.
I bought the part from the dealer (~£46) and was planning on getting it fitted by my trusty TVR mechanic, but taking a look at it and what would be involved I ended up doing it myself.
This is what one looks like (the old one):
It's situated at the back of the engine up near the top left as you look in from the front. To get at it you need to remove a section of hose that forms part of the forced inducion system running up from the intercooler at the front. One of the jubilee clips is a little awkard to get to, but not too bad. Then it's a 27mm socket to unscrew the old and screw in the new.
The new part is a revised design - similar shape as the old but with a longer spring loaded 'plunger' (the bit on the left) which compresses against a spring housed within the tensioner. Oil gets into it via the little feed hole you can see in the pic and there is also a small hole at the end of the 'plunger'.
If you have not done this yet, then perhaps it would be good to put one in. The part has obviously been revised for a reason - i.e. to help keep more pressure on the chain and seems reasonable value if it saves a major failure later. Need to also keep an eye on the oil levels too and keep topped up. By taking these two measures (plus not ragging it when cold) I think it may do a lot as far as engine longevity goes. Fingers crossed....
The N14 gets a really bad rep for these weakening and then the associated 'death rattle' when the chain is allowed the freedom to become lose and can do a lot of internal engine damage.
I bought the part from the dealer (~£46) and was planning on getting it fitted by my trusty TVR mechanic, but taking a look at it and what would be involved I ended up doing it myself.
This is what one looks like (the old one):
It's situated at the back of the engine up near the top left as you look in from the front. To get at it you need to remove a section of hose that forms part of the forced inducion system running up from the intercooler at the front. One of the jubilee clips is a little awkard to get to, but not too bad. Then it's a 27mm socket to unscrew the old and screw in the new.
The new part is a revised design - similar shape as the old but with a longer spring loaded 'plunger' (the bit on the left) which compresses against a spring housed within the tensioner. Oil gets into it via the little feed hole you can see in the pic and there is also a small hole at the end of the 'plunger'.
If you have not done this yet, then perhaps it would be good to put one in. The part has obviously been revised for a reason - i.e. to help keep more pressure on the chain and seems reasonable value if it saves a major failure later. Need to also keep an eye on the oil levels too and keep topped up. By taking these two measures (plus not ragging it when cold) I think it may do a lot as far as engine longevity goes. Fingers crossed....
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