should early c4's with automatic timing chain tensioners be avoided? | FerrariChat

should early c4's with automatic timing chain tensioners be avoided?

Discussion in 'Vintage (thru 365 GTC4)' started by stacy, May 4, 2006.

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  1. stacy

    stacy Karting

    Nov 2, 2003
    105
    halifax
    The early 365 GTC/4's had automatic timing chain tensioners but the later ones were switched back to a manual system. Does anybody know if there were problems with these early systems? Should one avoid an early car for this reason?

    Thanks in advance for your opinions

    Stacy O'Blenes
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,099
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    There is an ancient TSB that says to replace all the early chain tensioners with the later style due to failures. I have not seen one in over 20 years.


    Buy the car, replace the tensioner. The chains are due for replacement every 30k miles so that may be needed as well.
     
  3. stacy

    stacy Karting

    Nov 2, 2003
    105
    halifax
    Thanks Brian.

    I guess the real question is if the tensioner and chain can be replaced with the engine in the car.

    Stacy
     
  4. Bryan

    Bryan Formula 3

    Stacy:

    Consider joining the C4 Owners group at www.365gtc4.com. We have 42 members, including some very knowledegable DIYers.
     
  5. ArtS

    ArtS F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2003
    13,373
    Central NJ
    Rifledriver Brian,

    Replace timing CHAINS every 30k miles?!?

    Am I missing something? That's more frequently than belts. This tidbit caught me off guard, can you explain your reasoning or at least your source for this.

    Regards,

    Art S.

    PS. Stacy, if the car is otherwise sound and has been well maintained, this should not be a deal breaker. If this is a symptom of lax maintainance, be very concerned; project Ferraris are very expensive and time consuming to bring back. - Good luck with your search/purchase.
     
  6. michael bayer

    michael bayer Formula 3

    Aug 4, 2004
    1,293
    They are not replaced every 30,000 miles, the operators manual calls for inspecting the chain and tensioner every 9,000 miles. The chain is replaced when it is stretched beyond the capacity of the adjuster. Michael Bayer
     
  7. stacy

    stacy Karting

    Nov 2, 2003
    105
    halifax
    Thanks for all the helpful info. Does anyone know if the chain and tesioner can be replaced with engine in car?

    Stacy
     
  8. Bryan

    Bryan Formula 3

    Stacy:

    based on the Repair manual that I have (Angelo Wallace translation), I doubt this can be done with the engine in the car. You have to take off the timing case cover. The clearances are pretty tight with the engine in the car and I don't think you could get the timing case cover off with the engine in, but others may have actual experience.

    FYI. the same manual ADVISES replacing the chain every 50,000 km, however, when FoH did my 30k (miles), they did not replace the chain.

    Stacy: I did not read your notes very well and did not realized that you were considering a car. I will ask your question on the Owner's Forum and revert with responses.


    Switch from auto to manual tensioner occurred

    SN 15259 for cars without EGR (Euro ?)
    SN 15181 for cars with EGR (US ?)
     
  9. Bryan

    Bryan Formula 3

    Nobody on the C4 Forum has indicated that the auto tensioner is a detriment to the car. Much more important to get a PPI and get a good car, regardless of auto or manual tensioner.
     
  10. billb

    billb Formula Junior
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Jun 4, 2001
    407
    Shorewood, IL
    Full Name:
    Bill Badurski
    Chain replacement is an engine-out operation, but likely not necessary.
     

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