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Its floppy...
Mr Whippy - 15/1/25 at 09:55 PM

Hi,

So looking for opinions from those in the know. I have the timing chain cover off on the old Prefect and the chain looks kinda slack, there was no funny noises or anything I just happen to be giving the engine a full service and gasket change. There's no chain tensioner or any kind of adjustment so I'm not sure what is normal for an engine this ancient. It's the 1,172 cc side valve engine like in the Anglia and Pops etc.

Any ideas? cheers.

russbost - 16/1/25 at 10:20 AM

I'd say if it's quiet it's probably OK. When there's no tensioner, with anything other than a brand new chain there's always going to be a bit of slack. If the manual doesn't give any measurement of likely slack on the non drive side, then I'd suggest take a good close look at the pulleys, if things are starting to wear badly then the teeth will usually be starting to show signs of hooking at the tips.

Not being funny, but it's not exactly going to be spinning over at 10,000rpm is it?

jacko - 16/1/25 at 12:30 PM

24pound for a new one on eBay + post to be safe
G

Mr Whippy - 16/1/25 at 01:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jacko
24pound for a new one on eBay + post to be safe
G


Yeah, I can see one off a more reputable site for £14, however if the chain is ok there's no sense in chaining it and if it failed nothing happens. Thinking about it last night there was a timing line mark on the large sprocket. I wonder if there will be one on the lower one that I can line up, if I can then I'd have thought the chain would still be in tolerance. I'll have check tonight, if it's off I'll buy another chain, yet more things to replace

Thanks.

jacko - 16/1/25 at 03:12 PM

I worked with someone that definitely would have answered. All your questions but sadly he passed away last year
Graham

gremlin1234 - 16/1/25 at 03:34 PM

this image for a later engine suggest how to align the marks
Description
Description

taken from our friends at 105e owners club, probably worth MrWippy joining them too

https://105eoc.com/images/books/books-workshopmanual.pdf

Mr Whippy - 16/1/25 at 06:45 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
this image for a later engine suggest how to align the marks
Description
Description

taken from our friends at 105e owners club, probably worth MrWippy joining them too

https://105eoc.com/images/books/books-workshopmanual.pdf


Thanks, yes just about to go out and see how they line up. The 105e is a very modern car compared to mine but they share quite a lot of the engine basics.

[Edited on 16/1/25 by Mr Whippy]

ianhurley20 - 16/1/25 at 10:09 PM

The last time I rebuilt one of these engines was about 1968 and can't remember any tensioner at all - long time ago I know but seems the same as yours

Mr Whippy - 17/1/25 at 12:04 AM

Had a good look and lined up the timing marks and all seems just fine. The inside of the engine is just spotless so just leaving everything as is and I'll put on another 20k before thinking of a full strip down. Thanks though.