What if I don't change my cam chain. Ep3

What if I don't change my cam chain. Ep3

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Discussion

Duke Caboom

Original Poster:

2,015 posts

200 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2021
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Hi. I can't find someone to change my EP3 type R cam chain and tensioner in the near future and want to get back into sprinting and hillclimbing it, having missed a season last year.

There is definitely a very brief rollercoaster noise on starting. It's done 126k miles. Last time it made the nose it went away when I changed the oil but let's assume doesn't this time.

I understand that a stretched chain could jump teeth but all I can find on the internet is that the impact of this is an engine light and limp home mode, rather than valves hitting pistons and engine destruction.

So part of me is tempted to compete anyway, if the worse happens I'll just have a bad day. Then find someone to replace the chain.

I think I might be being stupid.


Duke Caboom

Original Poster:

2,015 posts

200 months

Monday 1st March 2021
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Thanks for all the replies. I'll try and get it done, though I still can't find anyone to do it within 150 miles of Norwich. I guess I'll be able to travel soon. Which should help.

Duke Caboom

Original Poster:

2,015 posts

200 months

Friday 5th March 2021
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Brilliant! Thanks!

Duke Caboom

Original Poster:

2,015 posts

200 months

Friday 5th March 2021
quotequote all
Booked in. Chap on the phone sounded knowledgeable so I'll look forward to getting it sorted. Would be great to have a "go to" place. Thanks for the steer.

Duke Caboom

Original Poster:

2,015 posts

200 months

Saturday 6th March 2021
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The Rotrex Kid said:
What have they quoted out of interest?
Didn't ask! It will cost what it costs, I spose

Duke Caboom

Original Poster:

2,015 posts

200 months

Friday 2nd April 2021
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Update: They listened to it from cold, couldn't hear it so are doing one or two other jobs instead.

Hurrah!

Duke Caboom

Original Poster:

2,015 posts

200 months

Wednesday 7th April 2021
quotequote all
Just as an update. As mentioned the listened to it, from cold, with on person's head under the bonnet and one in the car. They couldn't hear anything. Since then I remembered that I'd asked another firm, expirienced with them, to check it a few years, but only 4k miles ago, and they also said it was fine.

Current garage recommended an oil flush so its had that, a new (Honda) filter and oil change. No evidence from service history of a recent valve clearance adjustment, so had that done too.

It does less than 2k miles per year, so even if the chain only lasts 10k miles then I've got 5 years to think about it. It has an annual oil change so should always have good oil too.