Fortunately, never had a timing chain break on me.
The problems are caused by the pistons making contact with valves which are open
at point in the engine cycle when they'd normally be closed.
But I believe (and I'm ready to be shot down here if I'm wrong) that the valves
in a stock Spitfire, when open, don't move far enough into the cylinder to make
contact with the piston, even at TDC. Like I said, no experience, and I
certainly wouldn't suggest that anyone try this to find out, but if anyone knows
one way or the other...... Of course, it could well be different depending on
the engine you have, too.
Dean
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Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 08:34:03 -0400
From: "Banbury, Terrence" <Terrence.Banbury@dnr.state.oh.us>
Subject: RE: Strange gnashing clatters/Timing chain
I have had two experiences with broken timing chains, each years apart. Not
on a Spitfire, but on GM V8s. I am going to assume the Spit engine would
behave similar, until someone here tells me otherwise (and I hope they do).
What happened to me was this...
Driving along, engine is running smoothly. Then it just quits. Just like I
shut it off. It behaves like a complete electrical failure. So naturally,
as I coast along, I try to restart it. Mistake. As I understand it, by
running the starter motor with a broken timing chain, the valves are out of
sync, so you end up bending the valves all to hell, causing big repair bill.
This was the end of my 1972 Cadillac Coupe De Ville, 472 cu.in. I had to
choose between restoring the Spit or the Caddy.
So would the Spit behave the same way?
Terrence Banbury
Mk III
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