Damage to timing chain links because of cracked timing chain rollers

Maintenance and Repairs

Cracked Timing Chain Rollers

damage to timing chain links were found during a crankcase inspection

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Cracked and broken timing chain rollers were found during a routine inspection of the crankcase:

On carrying out a crankcase inspection of a MAN B&W MC engine, the above was found in the crankpit of No 2 unit. It was identified as a chain roller from the timing chain which had split in two.

The chain was inspected and 10 further rollers were found to be cracked on one chain only. The damaged links were replaced.

Procedure for replacing chain links

Turn the chain until the link which is to be replaced is on the longest free length of the chain and slacken off the chain. The free ends of the chain are then held by lashing with thin wire round the link rollers (Protect the link rollers over which the wire is wrapped against the friction of the wire) a short distance from the disassembling point. The wire is then lightly pulled tight by means of a pull block.

Grind off the riveted over metal on the pins that are to be pressed out.

A tool for pressing out the pins is placed over the chain link and the bolts for pressing out the pins are screwed in alternately until the link is pressed out. To remove one roller link, two pin links must be removed.

New links are then fitted with new pins and side plates, using a special tool to press in the pins which are then riveted over after fitting.

It should be noted that when changing links in a chain then the matching links should be replaced in the second chain to keep the chains at the same length.