new chain, tensioner, and stretch

[turbo buicks]

if i go to relpace my three month old dynagear/cloyes timing chain/gear set and the tensioner was not put on would the chain be stretched or could i just buy a new tensioner and put it on and leave the new chain/ gears on?

 

[1QuikV6]

I'll go out on a limb and suggest that you can just install your tensioner. I've just recently replaced my timing chain, and could not get the new tensioner on to save my life. There was NO give in the new chain, so I just wrestled the old one back on. It was worn, but not bad.

My old timing chain and sprockets were in surprisingly good shape for having 78,000 miles on them. No teeth missing off the nylon sprocket and just one small crack. Heck, it looked barely worn.

Hope that helps. I just don't seen a chain (3 months old) stretching so bad the damper couldn't compensate for it.

 

[JToups386]

What is the part number and exact brand you bought? You may have the set that was not designed to use with the tensioner. The truely correct thing to do is to get rid of that crappy tensioner piece to begin with.
I am using a DynaGear set, part number 78528, which has an adjustable +-2 degree cog, and eliminates the tensioner. A good double roller chain should not stretch enough to notice over time, and IMO is the only way to go! I used a Cloye's double roller, no tensioner setup in my T when I built it.
Anytime you're replacing a TR timing chain; 1.) get only a double roller. 2.) make sure it eliminates the tensioner.
Hope that helps ya'...

 

[REDS HOT AIR]

i keep breakin tensioners with stock style chain...

stratching my head now on what chain setup to put back in it..

 

[turbo buicks]

jtoups386, i dont know what the part number wa i bought but i know it was dynagear gears w/a cloyes chain. i made sure the guy at pep boys had the correct part.

 

[JToups386]

If you bought it from Pep Boys, and it was not a special order item, then you just got a stock replacement.
If you're willing to spend $79, then go to Flatlanderracing.com, and order the Dynagear part number I listed above, and be done with it! It's a very nice, durable set, and you'll never have the "tensioner woes" to cry about again. Red: I suggest the same thing for you too. The stock setup w/ tensioner was designed to accomodate the chain stretch over long periods of time and high mileage. This setup I mentioned will not stretch, and completely eliminates the tensioner. It's money well spent!!!

 

[REDS HOT AIR]

so is that part number a double roller or a better designed link style chain???

 

[1QuikV6]

I bought the stock replacement from Pep Boys. So I need my tensioner then, yes? Didn't know about the one mentioned from Flatlanderracing.

 

[JToups386]

Sorry for the delayed response time. Been traveling for business...
Red: yes, the part number I listed is for the DynaGear double roller setup that eliminates the tensioner. It's a nice piece.

1quikv6: yes, it sounds like you bought a stock replacement that will require the use of the tensioner. However, if you can get me a part number, I will look it up for you. Typically Pep Boys, and other aftermarket retailers are only going to sell the standard OEM type replacement, unless you special order an upgrade. I am assuming that's what happened in your case, but, another determining factor would be price. I've never seen a double roller set for less than $69, so maybe that'll help ya'...

Let me know if I can help with further info.