A while back I dropped the sump of my car to R & R the oil pump and rod bearings due to low oil pressure. That was a successful procedure.

When I went through the oil pan I found what I finally determined to be the remains of the timing chain tensioner ring that had at some time in the past failed. Tomorrow I am pulling the radiator, front pulley and timing chain cover to install a new chain and tensioner and perhaps an upgraded front cover that has a lip seal rather than a felt seal.


Questions:

1. Does the lip seal conversion require machining of the crank?
2. Is the DW timing chain worth getting?
3. Should I convert to a harmonic balancer and if so what source should I use?
4. What else should I do and/or look out for?

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Best--Michael Oritt
1954 Austin-Healey 100 (street)
1958 Elva Courier (track) FOR SALE
1959 Elva MK IV sports racer (track)
1961 Ginetta G4 (track)

Hello Michael,

Definitely go for the DW chain although it’s a very tight fit, when you eventually get it on the chain has virtually no play.
I can’t believe a chain can be made so accurate!
I also purchased the cover with the modern oil seal. If you buy one put all the screws in but don’t tighten them up until
you have located the cover and oil seal on the shaft, as I found that the oil seal can be out of line with the OD if it’s not allowed to find it’s own location. Hopefully you understand what I’m saying.
Best of luck and don’t forget the rubber chain tensioner!
Cheers,
Graham.

Graham--

I understand what you are saying and because DW does not sell (nor apparently use) the rubber tensioners I bought it and an upgraded chain from Moss/USA. Thanks for the tip on getting the cover mounted up.

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Best--Michael Oritt
1954 Austin-Healey 100 (street)
1958 Elva Courier (track) FOR SALE
1959 Elva MK IV sports racer (track)
1961 Ginetta G4 (track)