Broken Chain Guide Facings

[Shizap]

After taking off my cam covers, I discovered that the passenger side upper chain guide facing had a broken tab. It fell out as I was taking off the cam cover. Luckily I think it was still sitting in the correct place and there doesn't appear to be any damage to the plate holder. This isn't a big problem because it is simple to replace.



However, as I looked further I noticed on the drivers side that there appears to be another broken tab on a facing. This one is only accessible by removing the engine and taking off the front engine cover.



Am I correct that this is broken and does it need to be replaced immediately? And after the engine is removed and the front plate removed, how are these plastic facings installed? Do the chains have to be removed?

For reference the car has 105,000 miles.

Thanks,
Scott

[A26B]

Originally Posted by Shizap

............



Am I correct that this is broken and does it need to be replaced immediately? And after the engine is removed and the front plate removed, how are these plastic facings installed? Do the chains have to be removed?

For reference the car has 105,000 miles.

Thanks,
Scott

Scott,

Yes the LH Fixed Guide Facing is broken on the end. In the following photo you can see how the facing is secured to the guide (on the left in the view shown) The other end is secured with a roll pin. It is not known as a common problem, possibly because the only way it is discovered is when the cam cover is removed or the engine is disassembled. Even during those circumstances, it is not a frequent issue. It is possible that it may have been broken for some time and gone unnoticed. I wouldn't rate the broken LH Guide Facing as an emergency, but something that should be scheduled in the near future. The facing is still protecting the chain from contact with the guide. Being unsecured on the top side could cause fatigue & breakage at the other end, which would be a problem.


Here is a reference photo with PN information. All facings are in stock at Jerrys Gaskets

[phrogs]

I found one of mine completely broken and gone the chain had been running on the steel backing.

[TX '90 ZR1]

Originally Posted by phrogs

I found one of mine completely broken and gone the chain had been running on the steel backing.

Did you have any indication it was broken/missing prior to disassembly?