Greetings Gents, Yup. I've 'Seached.' There's some good stuff out there regarding the 246 timing chain guide. However, I can't find the definitive answer, so I'll ask (pics courtesy of daviekj): Is it possible to remove the chain guide/slipper through the access hole on the side of the head (engine in situ)? Here's what's been done. We've removed the four M6x1.00 nuts and, as it's longer than the opening, the slipper is hanging up. It seems too good to be true that, with a little wiggling & sliding & perhaps loosening of the tensioner, this could be accomplished without removing anything else (like the cam covers or the heads!). If not, is it possible to remove just the plate to effect a gasket change without the slipper falling into the engine when the two M8x1.25 nuts are removed and the plate is very carefully pulled away from the head? Yeah, I know...you're laughing WITH me! Coop Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Coop, not sure wht your aim is. is it to replace the gasket between the chain slipper mounting plate and head? I think you may be able to feed a new gasket over the mounting plate if you pull the plate back with slipper still tightly on the plate. However, cleaning the old gasket faces will be a problem. if you undo the two nuts holding the slipper to the mounting plate, there may be a risk that slipper could fall in, although the chain tensions may hold it back. I don't know. Wish you had asked me this 3 weeks ago when i was re-assembling the heads on mine. I fitted the slipper from the inside of the head. I think it would be safer to take the cam covers off. Its not too much hassle. Kevin
Hi Kevin, Thanks for your response. What started as an attempt to cure some significant oil leaks (primarily from the cam covers) & clean up a very messy engine & compartment on my friend's '71 Tipo M, has evolved into a bit more: R&R Coolant hoses and pipes (thanks to Scott.Mac for the timely tutorial)/intercooler hoses/fuel hoses, clutch cable; some electrical issues; oil & filter; etc. After mopping up all of the oil on, around & under EVERYTHING, two (of many) suspect areas for oil seepage turned out to be the rear guide cover plate and the infamous front chain tensioner. So, it seems like a good opportunity to inspect and/or replace the slipper(s). Hence, the question(s). Several attempts were made to pull the plate away from the head with the slipper attached, but it only moves a couple of mm before the slipper hangs up. And, yes, it would be much safer to pull the cam covers; we recently replaced them & hate to pull 'em again if we can avoid it. Maybe we can convince my friend to OK pulling the engine so we can minimize the pain & suffering and maximize the results! One can only hope. Cheers, Coop
Coop, had a dig through some of the photos on stripping the head down. You may find that the slipper simply cannot fit through the hole. Not sure that the gasket around the slipper plate would be my first check for leaks. The timing chain adjuster cap and stopper screw would be more likely. good luck Kevin Image Unavailable, Please Login
If it is the timing chain tensioner on the forward bank (Cyls 1-2-3) those leaks could also take out the alternator which is directly below it. Oil drips on the Alt and ruins the brushes or worse. I'm keeping track and have counted 8 Dino alts that have gone from this. Learned this from the 355 guys too, seems the cars have some similarities.
