348 Cam Chain Tensioner Pad

I cant say but I don't think its worth the chance. Id just bite the bullet and put on a new one while its out. Also I think there was a recent thread where someone was replacing one.

 

That looks pretty darned good if it really has 70k miles on it. No way that I know of to tell for certain, but if you happen to have an early car before the factory drive bearing update one clue would be whether or not that bearing has been changed in your car. If it has been updated there's a chance that the tensioner was replaced at the same time. If the bearing has not been updated then perhaps no one has even been that deep into the engine. I'd be curious either way, as I'm trying to get a sense of how long those tensioners and either version of the bearings last.

Another clue is the color of the material itself. Assuming it started out off-white one can safely assume that it's been in the engine for some time to have acquired the darker hue.

In any case, I think it's false economy to be that deep into the engine and not replace the tensioner, as well as the infamous bearing. As you probably know, Hill Engineering recently released an upgraded bearing and I think I've read here that Dave Helms offers a better tensioner, or at least an upgraded pad.

As an aside, while I've never seen it posted here, there is apparently some concern that the pad base can separate from the plunger, as I was once asked by a customer to strengthen that joint by adding some tack welds (see attached, which I'm guessing is from the tensioner under discussion). Seems like a worthwhile safety measure "while yer in there".
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What year for your 348 and engine assy#, chassis #? Believe the updated material is from engine/chassis assy 24720 / 4384

 

That timing chain wear pad is done, replace it. The updated pad material you want is made from Stanyl PA46 TW341. The company that manufactures Stanyl is DSM, from the Netherlands.

 

Hello Ernie Just for info , DSM has upgraded the Stanyl PA 46 / TW341 to TW371. 20% lower friction rate.

https://www.plasticstoday.com/automotive-and-mobility/polyamide-46-grade-deployed-automotive-low-friction-timing-system/80538729923966

 

Can anybody send me ( to Belgium) a worn , bad piece from each of the 2 pads for taking measurements. I know maybe a shop who can fabricate them out of TW371.

Grts
Patrick

 

Of course i will pay for shipping.

 

I think I still have my old stuff. I will have a look for it and let you know if I can locate it.

 

Thx

 

Hi Ernie, did already had time to look for the pads ?

 

Good stuff. thanks for posting this

 

I know . Now just try to buy it. :-(

 

Sorry Patrick, I was really busy over Christmas weekend. I’ll have a look and let you know by tomorrow.

 

Yeah but the other info I have is even better stuff. I thought I gave it to you??? It’s still made by DSM, but is their newest material.

 

Yeah It is called TW 371. The only problem is i can't buy either of them. DSM only selling the granulate , not solid form. I found an distributor here in Belgium called ; Quadrant. They have also high tec plastics in rod or plate form. But they are still closed for the hollidays. I will ask them if they can deliver this material or equal.
I am planning an engine out major service beginning next year , when i have my lift, so i am starting looking for al the parts needed.As my 348 has 60.000 km i think the pads will be worn.

 

Granulate is no problem. We'll make it work. thanks for clarifying Ernie

 

No, that is not the stuff I'm talking about. DSM make a whole bunch of different plastics for different applications.

 

You go it John.

 

What "stuff" do you mean Ernie ??

 

I looked for the worn pads the other day and didn't find them.

 

That's a shame. Ordered in the meanwhile this one on eBay to compare. From Land Rover. 12 euro
I have read in an old topic from you Ernie that this is not a Ferrari part but made by a company in France or something.

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Also from eBay, a piece of Pa4.6. It looks identical material to Stanyl and that what Dave Helms had used for his first test.He found an even better material but this can work also very good i think. Color i correcter in real life. More Brown.

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Sorry a little late to the game. I have my worn pad if you still need one. just let me know.

 

Yes That would be great.
How to ship ? Can you put it in an envelop by post ? I will pay of course the cost.