SB timing chain tensioner clearance

Posted By: MarkZ

SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 03:20 AM

Has anybody had any issues when installing the SB timing chain tensioner? With it on I cannot get the timing chain cover to fit properly. From what I can tell it's hitting on the left side. It's not like it can be installed wrong since the retaining bolts only allow it to be positioned one way. I'm grasping at straws here....

Posted By: FurryStump

Re: SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 03:25 AM

Just did it and had no issues at all. It was a melling tensioner.

Posted By: AtomicDog

Re: SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 03:26 AM

I just installed a SB Mopar Performance tensioner and double roller timing chain set recently on my Magnum 5.9 engine with no clearance issues at all. Are you installing this on an LA motor? Not sure if there is a clearance difference between a Magnum or LA front cover. Do you happen to have a picture of your chain/tensioner install that you can post? Did you pull the pin to actually engage the tensioner onto the chain? If not, that might explain the clearance issue for sure..

Posted By: quick77rt

Re: SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 03:56 AM

I dont put alot of miles but I do put alot of rpm to the MP unit. Only one small hole drilled for maybe a few extra drops of oil, but anyways this is my last inspection/cam change pic, all 3 times ive had to give it a small smack with my palm but never shows lil signs when I take it apart.

I "think" maybe the back tabs maybe just brush the cover which still wouldnt impact its use..but what do I know. I do know I go over 7k alot and this unit shows very little wear, I do pack the gears with red grease when I put it back together for fireup

If mine didnt go on with just a light smack id look more into it, but as mentioned its never showed any signs of anything wrong.

Attached picture 6664437-DSC05299.JPG

Posted By: 471Magnum

Re: SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 04:00 AM

Quote:

Just did it and had no issues at all. It was a melling tensioner.

Me too!

Posted By: Mopar_Country

Re: SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 04:13 AM

Quote:

Has anybody had any issues when installing the SB timing chain tensioner? With it on I cannot get the timing chain cover to fit properly. From what I can tell it's hitting on the left side. It's not like it can be installed wrong since the retaining bolts only allow it to be positioned one way. I'm grasping at straws here....

I'm going out on a limb here, but did you pull the pin out?

Posted By: 471Magnum

Re: SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 04:14 AM

Quote:

I'm going out on a limb here, but did you pull the pin out?

Right after I posted my response I had the same thought.

Posted By: MarkZ

Re: SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 05:19 AM

Sorry guys, I should have included some more detail. My Eddie headed LA 360 sprung a leak at the timing chain cover so I pulled it apart to put new gaskets on, and figured I'd install that tensioner I had sitting on a shelf.

The installation of the chain and tensioner itself went pretty smooth. Once it was all snugged down and the chain in place I pulled the retaining pin.

Now, with the tensioner in place I can't get the cover lined up. Best I can do is get a single bolt in at the bottom left of the cover. The cover needs to swing to the right for the rest of the holes to line up, but from what I can tell it's interfering at this point I've got marked in the picture.

Any ideas? Thanks guys...

Attached picture 6664595-01.jpg

Posted By: AtomicDog

Re: SB timing chain tensioner clearance - 06/03/11 08:40 PM

Is that tensioner installed correctly? Just doesn't look like it is placing tension on the chain as it should and it may be in a bind.

If that's not the case, I suppose you could grind a bit off that part of the tensioner that's hanging into the cover gasket area.