Timing Chain Components
 

I am in the process of replacing my timing chain components after having a catastrophic failure at 60 mph. The damage seems to be contained to the chain and all components, the camshaft, tower bearings, and slight damage to the oil pump chain. My question is what does the item #94 in the attached picture do. It is called "Chain retainer". I am guessing it prevents the chain from skipping on the timing device gear but it is only a metal tip which I find hard to believe you want this ever coming in contact with the chain. Am I missing something should there be something on the end of it? And lastly should I replace it? Any help would be appreciated

https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/welcome.jsp

That EPC may show some light on the parts. It IS FREE, I have no idea why they want your CC info.

My understanding is that they will bill you next year!

I have never been billed.

Well shhhh we'll keep that quiet!

I looked on the epc site and it is even less informative than the service manual. I calls it a screw. Doesn't anyone out there have knowledge of what this chain retainer does?

Sorry tretola - I got side tracked with the whole CC and EPC thing. I'm in the middle of rebuilding my OM617 at the moment - I'll sort through the bits I took off and see if the end of my bolt (number 94) is also just metal at the end.

If I remember correctly mine didn't actually drag on the timing chain - I think that it is just there as a sacrificial bit just in case the timing chain gets so slack that it scrapes the side of the casting... I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THIS THOUGH - I'LL CHECK!

(Oh and I haven't been advised by the machine shop to replace that bit - I was told to replace the bushings behind the timing device and the bushings that hold the oil pump gearing and drive bits in place.)