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

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.

 

Stacy:

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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 ?)

 

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.

 

Chain replacement is an engine-out operation, but likely not necessary.