How does the LS3 style Timing Chain Damper work? (Pics)
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From: Alpharetta, Ga
How does the LS3 style Timing Chain Damper work? (Pics) Ok, so there has been discussion that the LS3 timing chain damper is the latest and greatest the realm of chan guides. Everyone I have spoken with has always told me that the LS3 piece is a sprung style damper. In my manuals, it states to install the damper, install your chain, and then remove the pin from the damper. Well, being curious, I decided to pull the pin to see if the left side was sprung and it isn't. All it does it just rest a bit lower than in the exact same position. See the pics below for what I am talking about.
Can someone explain how this chain damper is supposed to work and how its better than the traditional "block" style damper?
Can someone explain how this chain damper is supposed to work and how its better than the traditional "block" style damper?
Last edited by 1.8t; Jan 5, 2009 at 04:49 PM.
I just messed with the one on my engine. You are correct on the install. That slight amount that it moves down, pushes the bottom outward which puts tension on the chain. When you squeeze it together it flatens out, which when it is not held it is arched.
Try to put the pin back in without pushing the arm in, it will not go back in and it does provide tension on the chain.
It doesn't take a lot, keep in mind that the amount of tension and the velocity of the chain. It is more or less to keep some tension on the chain so gear shifts etc don't make the chain "whip" as well.
Hope that helps.
It doesn't take a lot, keep in mind that the amount of tension and the velocity of the chain. It is more or less to keep some tension on the chain so gear shifts etc don't make the chain "whip" as well.
Hope that helps.
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Thanks for the help guys. I just had this idea in my head that we were actually dealing with a spring style tensioner(similar to what you see on timing belts). Hopefully I can start buttoning everything up this weekend with regard to the front part of the motor.
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I thought the nylon tensioner had a metal spring, kinda like a leaf spring, behind it? It has been a while since I had mine apart.
Anyway, I went with a Katech C5R (JWIS) chain and it wouldn't work with the LS3 tensioner. The new chain was shorter than than the factory chain, which forced the tensioner past its "pinned" position. It was extremely tight, but I could get it assembled. However, I wasn't comfortable with the tensioner being bound up that tight so I used a LS2 guide instead.
Anyway, I went with a Katech C5R (JWIS) chain and it wouldn't work with the LS3 tensioner. The new chain was shorter than than the factory chain, which forced the tensioner past its "pinned" position. It was extremely tight, but I could get it assembled. However, I wasn't comfortable with the tensioner being bound up that tight so I used a LS2 guide instead.
I used this tensioner on my build with the Katech chain with no issues.
I installed the tensioner, then the sprockets and chain, and pulled the release pin.
There was a fair amount of tension on the chain, but it did not seem excessive.
I would think that the tensioner would relax a bit at operating temps.
I installed the tensioner, then the sprockets and chain, and pulled the release pin.
There was a fair amount of tension on the chain, but it did not seem excessive.
I would think that the tensioner would relax a bit at operating temps.
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From: Alpharetta, Ga
They will work on most 04 and up blocks LS2, LQ9 etc. The guide rides on the chain and dampens the harmonic vibrations that are normally present as the chain moves. These harmonics are what destroys the chain. Its like putting your fingers on a bell to stop its ring...
Shane
Shane
Ok, so there has been discussion that the LS3 timing chain damper is the latest and greatest the realm of chan guides. Everyone I have spoken with has always told me that the LS3 piece is a sprung style damper. In my manuals, it states to install the damper, install your chain, and then remove the pin from the damper. Well, being curious, I decided to pull the pin to see if the left side was sprung and it isn't. All it does it just rest a bit lower than in the exact same position. See the pics below for what I am talking about.
Can someone explain how this chain damper is supposed to work and how its better than the traditional "block" style damper?
Can someone explain how this chain damper is supposed to work and how its better than the traditional "block" style damper?
Here ya go. http://www.sdparts.com/product/12585...LSEnignes.aspx
Anyone got a picture of it installed?
Anyone got a picture of it installed?
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LS1 help Hey LS1MCSS seen in another post form awhile ago you had diagrams to make my own harness for a LS1 was wondering if you could email them to me if you still have them..kinda new to all this forum stuff but getting alot of info putting a LS1 out of a 98 camaro to a 92 I have the complete harness for the LS1 thanks dragsterboy135@hotmail.com