fitted cam chain today but not happy with it, need advice!

jeremyer211007

hi peeps, fitted cam chain today for a friend, done everything as the sticky thread, but still got a few questions.

when fitting the main chain tensioner i tried fitting it both ways (released when fitted and pre released). releasing it after fitting, which seemed to tension chain ok but not what i would have thought would be enough pressure, although when pressing on the tensioner chain guide it seemed to spring back ok, double checked it was released by taking it out again for peace of mind so i knew simply pressing on the tensioner guide would release it. now, when i tried fitting it pre released (recommended method on here) it seemed like the tensioner rail was pressed to hard against the chain. would this not prematurely wear the tensioner rail out? also when trying this method the tensioner rail seemed like it was under that much tension as i could not depress it for it spring back like before in the previous method?
does the tensioner have gradual tensioning aswell as i noticed on the inner part of the tensioner had like different cut outs for different stages of locking if you know what i mean? meaning on pre releasing it prying to fitting its on its max tension straight away which it shoudnt be with a new chain as its in its unstreched/slighty worn state, hence asking if it will prematurely wear the tensioner guide rail or this ok as when running it will be lubricated? whats your views?
after fitting the chain and tensioner, left the tensioner in after preleasing it as thats how it was as was the last method i tried! turned the crank 2 revolutions and found that the cam sprockets seemed to be where they should be and that the crank was where it would be with the wood ruff key near top centre, but the marks on the chain werent aligned with the the marks on sprockets and crank cog anymore, is this right? or after numerous revolutions of the crank the chain markings would eventualy match back up with the cam sprockets and crank markings if you know what i mean?
lastly and may not have getting these questions in the right order but how tight should the chain be? before fitting the tensioner both ways i got my mate to turn both cams away from each other to take up slack between the cam sprocket whilst i took up the slack on the crank by turning it clockwise making sure the marks on the chain were still in correct position to the marking on crank and sprockets. this leaving the slack on the tensioner side ready for the tensioner to take up the slack. should there be any slack at all in the chain between cams and the cams and crank sprocket as the chain ive fitted seems very very taught! would this cause it to snap easier, as i know on chains on bikes and so forth have a degree of slack?

sorry for the long blahhhh buts it not my car and the first z22se ive worked on, hope yous can help, cheers, dave.

vocky

Re: fitted cam chain today but not happy with it, need advic

1 - releasing the tension first is the best method, the chain tension will settle once started :thumbup:

2 - the chain will re-align after another 700 or so cranks of the engine :wtf:

3 - the chain should be tight if crank turned over clockwise

jeremyer211007

Re: fitted cam chain today but not happy with it, need advic

hi, thanks, so im worrying about nothing then? dave.