Is this the timing chain tensioner oil leak?

[Trevor /chedder]

Hi all, when doing a service I seem to have a new leak. it's focused on this plug and my . What do you think?

 

[Trevor /chedder]

It's an m44 btw

 

[Mazza]

I have an M44 with a similar weep !!!
but I think mine is at the top of the timing chain cover but I have looked at the exploded view and I have a feeling (with mine) that the head needs to come off because of how the gaskets are fitted…. hence its not been done and I just give it a clean up prior to an MOT ( and top up the oil occasionally )

 

[IainP]

Yeah, that’s the tensioner.
If it is leaking, I’d be tempted to back it out a mm, or so, and apply some Loctite flange sealant. It’s non setting and it’s the best sealant I’ve ever used. I use it on everything flange related, even stuff that’s not really supposed to have sealant (according to the manufacturer), but leaks if you don’t. Thinnest smear possible, it’s brilliant stuff.

 

[Trevor /chedder]

Yeah, that’s the tensioner.
If it is leaking, I’d be tempted to back it out a mm, or so, and apply some Loctite flange sealant. It’s non setting and it’s the best sealant I’ve ever used. I use it on everything flange related, even stuff that’s not really supposed to have sealant (according to the manufacturer), but leaks if you don’t. Thinnest smear possible, it’s brilliant stuff.

I bought a new crush washer so that might go on Sunday, thanks for the advice

 

[colb]

Best clean it up with some spray brake cleaner then run the engine and spot the source of the leak then follow the advise given earlier to stop it.

 

[IainP]

I bought a new crush washer so that might go on Sunday, thanks for the advice

If you do remove it, be aware there’s “advice” that the tensioner should be reinserted compressed and the engine revved to 3000 rpm for 30 sec on start up to extend it. Failure to do so will stretch the chain.

Personally, I think that’s some of the most dangerous internet bull s*** I’ve ever heard.

First off, chains don’t stretch, they wear at the links. That’s poor lubrication. Secondly it’s just asking for the chain to whip against the guide, which is not a clever idea.

I’ve only built up two 44’s and a 43, fitted the tensioners extended each time and never experienced any difficulty, either fitting the tensioner, or “stretching the chain”.
Metric Mechanic actually use simplex chains, as opposed to the o/e duplex chains, in their race/rally engines without any problems. So, imo obviously, it’s complete nonsense, I do wonder if that’s possibly where the ‘M4x engines eat chain guides’ comes from, as I’ve never encountered that. One M44 @ 116K and M43 @ 170K had minimal wear on the guides, both were reassembled with original guides and chains with no problems whatsoever.

 

[Trevor /chedder]

Thanks all. After checking it doesn't seem to be leaking. Im thinking it might have been reside from the cam cover leak I did have, but sorted last year