Beware stock LS3 timing chain tensioner!
#1
Beware stock LS3 timing chain tensioner!
As some of you may have heard some people have reported problems or breakage with the stock ls3 timing chain tensioner.
It is a good thing that I ended up doing a heads and cam install this year. The shop who is doing my install called me today and said that the spring had popped out of the tensioner!!! They are currently trying to fish it out of the oil pan!
I had heard of this problem and supplied the correct parts for them to install (ls2 dampener).
I just cant believe how lucky I got with this. I wonder how long I was driving it around like this...and I run the thing to redline almost every time I drive it...wow
btw...forgot to mention...car has 9900 miles on it.
It is a good thing that I ended up doing a heads and cam install this year. The shop who is doing my install called me today and said that the spring had popped out of the tensioner!!! They are currently trying to fish it out of the oil pan!
I had heard of this problem and supplied the correct parts for them to install (ls2 dampener).
I just cant believe how lucky I got with this. I wonder how long I was driving it around like this...and I run the thing to redline almost every time I drive it...wow
btw...forgot to mention...car has 9900 miles on it.
#2
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I'm putting a tensioner back onto my L92/L99 after the rebuild is finished.
This issue has been addressed here before:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...tensioner.html
This issue has been addressed here before:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...tensioner.html
#3
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I'm putting a tensioner back onto my L92/L99 after the rebuild is finished.
This issue has been addressed here before:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...tensioner.html
This issue has been addressed here before:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...tensioner.html
#6
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Just ran across this enginebuilder article that sums it up. If you're using the newer single bolt or 4X cam gears, you should be running the new tensioner for the chain slack and asymmetric teeth..
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Arti...iv_engine.aspx
For swaps back to older or aftermarket cam/timing setups, the LS2 separator can be used.
My VVT engine will have the LS3 tensioner and a Katech C5R chain on the stock cam gear/phaser.
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Arti...iv_engine.aspx
For swaps back to older or aftermarket cam/timing setups, the LS2 separator can be used.
My VVT engine will have the LS3 tensioner and a Katech C5R chain on the stock cam gear/phaser.
#7
Just ran across this enginebuilder article that sums it up. If you're using the newer single bolt or 4X cam gears, you should be running the new tensioner for the chain slack and asymmetric teeth..
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Arti...iv_engine.aspx
For swaps back to older or aftermarket cam/timing setups, the LS2 separator can be used.
My VVT engine will have the LS3 tensioner and a Katech C5R chain on the stock cam gear/phaser.
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Arti...iv_engine.aspx
For swaps back to older or aftermarket cam/timing setups, the LS2 separator can be used.
My VVT engine will have the LS3 tensioner and a Katech C5R chain on the stock cam gear/phaser.
You're crazy.
The stock LS3 tensioner is garbage. So many have broken I can not believe it hasnt been recalled.
My tuner wouldnt even install them. He also said that almost half of all the ls3 cars he has had apart have had a broken tensioner.
The only way I wold run it is on a completely stock car under full factor warranty. You are really asking for a problem when the mods begin....and then you have no warranty. Dont do it....
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#8
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When I put a cam in my LS3 in my GXP that wonderful tensioner was broken on mine too and had to fish out it from the oil pan. LS2 one is on her now. Car had about 9,000 miles on her too. Bad design....
#9
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I don't own or have built an LS3, but looks like the tensioner has failed for some in this small thread
#12
Hmmmmm, sounds like the tensioner problem would be with motors running VVT. That is what I will be running and I will ask Texas Speed about the problem when I buy their kit. Also the phase limiter.
#17
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Stock L92 tensioner with a powerbond UD pulley and an IWIS single chain. Lucky I caught it it must have just happedn the pastuc was still in place that you see in the pic, the metal tab is in the pan somewhere. Im not pulling to engine I have too much going on so it might just live in there unless i can fish it out through the timing cover opening. Im super pissed that i messed up my phaser though its the down time i cant afford. Picking up my new project car tomorrow so im pissed about that.
#18
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Stock L92 tensioner with a powerbond UD pulley and an IWIS single chain. Lucky I caught it it must have just happedn the pastuc was still in place that you see in the pic, the metal tab is in the pan somewhere. Im not pulling to engine I have too much going on so it might just live in there unless i can fish it out through the timing cover opening. Im super pissed that i messed up my phaser though its the down time i cant afford. Picking up my new project car tomorrow so im pissed about that.
tensioners failing..