I just went over to see my Dino up on the lift getting a new clutch and some other repairs. Oil change also. Something very disturbing was found.. a small chip of aluminum!!! I need help b/c not sure what it could be. Mechanic ruled out gears so here are a few shots of the mystery item. (p.s. engine is running great with no noises and lots of power) help my dino brothers! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
bout the only thing it could be is a piece of piston, head casting flashing or front cover. This is a tough one as I don't recognize the shape.
Something from around the timing chain slip pads perhaps? Tough one to call, but there is only one way to have good sleep at night!
I think Ferrari fixer has it nailed. If you look at the piece it looks like something has been dragging acrossed it (chain)? as in chain rubber tensioner, once it gets through the rubber the only thing backing it up is aluminum.
CSI DINO! I think the mystery could be solved. I did find out from the previous owner that they were having problems with the timing chain "rubbing on something". they fixed that about 3 years ago. the good news is that he only put about 500 miles on it since then. a few more details now that you've mentioned the chain. it does look on the side that is worn down like something was grinding it away. it is also not smooth and is an uneven depth. see the second picture above. so, now i can sleep tonight!!! thanks guys. again i'm very impressed by the expertise of this group.
Sleep well! I have a flexible bore scope that fits down through the oil filler holes. See if you can find one locally too. Not that you can fix anything with it, just aid diagnosis.
Jon Thank you! very helpful photos. i think your shot of the timing chain slip pads has it nailed. i will have my mechanic check it out tomorrow and post the results. p.s. your saga would make a great book (for about a couple thousand dino enthusiasts anyway). keep up the great reports!
sorry for the delay in the answer. of course, there was no "answer" from my mechanic. but, he did say that the csi dino team here could be right about the timing chain slip pad! i think that is it and i am happy that the car is driving just awesome now. so, given the aluminum nature of the piece, the history of the repairs to the timing chain slip pad and the mechanic's comments, i think the mystery has been solved! thank you all f-chatters involved.
It's funny how these things happen....... I've got a Dino in right now for a gearbox rebuild, and when I removed the engine sump........ this exact thing has happened.........only it would seem much worse than this one. and another in next week, with suspected same failure also!!
syncro, yes there is a screen on the oil pick-up which would keep out larger particles, but wearing through the chain rubber should not happen. The problem comes when the chain tentioners are not taken up regularly, this allows the chain to whip outside of its normal zone causing premature wear on the chain rubber, doing what it was designed to do by keeping whip under control when the chain gets loose. Keep that chain tight and you may not have to ever replace those rubbers.
