Parts specialist Blue Print has highlighted the vital role that Timing Chains play in many modern engines and the importance of good maintenance of these vital components. 

Fast running engines which are fitted to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles commonly use a metal timing chain, which is located within the engine and lubricated by the engine oil, connecting the crankshaft to the camshaft, this in turn controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. Over extended periods of continuous use the chain drive gradually elongates. This can eventually lead to camshaft and crankshaft synchronisation issues, disrupting the accurate control of the intake and exhaust valve timing, leading to engine inefficiency and increased emission levels leading to eventual failure. 

Chain wear occurs mainly on the pins and in the bushes and sprockets in contact areas. Tensioners become weakened in time, causing incorrect tension control. Tensioners and guide rails become worn as other components wear, cutting grooves into the guiding surface.

Increased stresses are put on these linking components, particularly in high powered, fuel efficient diesel and direct injection petrol engines. Coupled with other emission reducing technologies, such as stop-start and hybrid vehicles there is a need to minimise timing chain wear as vehicle emission legislation continues to tighten.

The constant rotational stress on the chain and sprockets coupled with the dynamic forces within the internal combustion engine contribute to wear, also the degradation of the oil plays a significant factor. Chain drive wear can be accelerated by various factors, including the repeated pivoting motion of the driven links or bushes against stationary connector pins, along with the presence of excessive amounts of soot and acid in the oil and the relationship with other timing components.

Blue Print timing chain kits correspond to the latest technical developments, and where required upgraded components are used, these include strengthened chain guides with optimised surface. The sprockets in the kit are designed to reduce chain load and tensioners with improved damping characteristics. A complete Blue Brint chain repair kit has significant friction improving properties and strength for a confident replacement with improved noise, vibration and harshness qualities and efficiency features.

A complete range of Blue Print Timing Chain Kits is available from motor factors nationwide. Information on the range can also be found at partsfinder.bilsteingroup.com