timing chain tensioner

[Gary Kosiba]

Anybody have a source for a timing chain tensioner replacement? I have a 53' sq4.
Thanks, Gary

[Gui.dorey]

You mean that T shaped piece? I had the same problem. Couldn’t find one. So I just made one out of a scrap piece of metal. Just guessed the dimensions by looking at pictures which you can find here or around the web. Very easy to do even without special tools. Vice, hammer, file and a drill.

[roger.fellows]

The metal is supposed to be very hard I believe.

[Gui.dorey]

The metal is supposed to be very hard I believe.

For the T piece I did indeed use steel, but it only supports the steel spring blade on which the chain runs on. And only when the spring blade flexes. The blade needs certainly to be hard, as the chain runs on it, but the T support probably not.

I’m just not sure which part Gary is referring to.

[Gary Kosiba]

I saw awhile back somebody was making a nylon replacement. At the time I wasn't concerned because the motor job was sitting idle.
My mistake, should have purchased then. Thanks for the help!

[roger.fellows]

I have a spare support for the spring steel blade, I thought the item being referred to was the heavy long T piece which was used with a duplex chain.

Are you in the UK Gary?

[Gary Kosiba]

Thanks for your help Roger. I'm in the USA. I tracked a nylon replacement from a Constance Wilbar. She advertised in the Ariel of North America newsletter awhile back. She had one left. My tensioner blade a deep groove on the side close to the case.