Hello all,
I was doing an oil change when I noticed this valve/bolt in the sump plug exit. I have no idea where this could have come from. I'll attach some images bellow:




It's got a Hex end. Inside is a spring with a ball on the end. I can push the ball in easily with a small screwdriver. It's only about 15mm long.
It looks like it could be a pressure relief valve, but I have no clue where it's from and how it ended up in the sump.
I also noticed a whining noise coming from the engine just before doing the oil change. I'm not sure if the two are linked.
Any help would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks

 

That is 100% the oil pressure regulator valve of the TCT. It is screwed in the TCT by the factory, then secured in place with some punches ("to caulk"?) in the aluminium body of the TCT.
If this fails for whatever reason, it maybe simply could spin loose.

 

Thank you. I recently put a ballade sports TCT in so it's a little disappointing how that's happened.
Would this valve coming cause any damage to the TCT, or can I just put it back in?
I'm planning on replacing the chain and runners as well whilst I'm working on the car. It seems safest to do so.

 

I would say you need to get a more reputable TCT. There are typically more parts than that when they come apart. a spring, ball bearing, another valve looking part. Would absolutely consider getting a @Billman250 unit as a replacement.

 

Check the original TCT and see if the relief valve is missing.

Chain and guides is a major job, and not necessary at this point.

Luckily it didn’t get caught up in the chain, but that missing valve equals a big internal oil pressure leak.

You also need to be aware of any whining noise, which usually signals excessive chain tension.

 

That excess tension Billman is referring to seems to be a common side effect of using the Ballade tct. As Billman also alludes to, at this point, replacing timing chain and associated components not required yet, but if you keep using that tct, they will be.

If you use a properly functioning tct, the timing chain should easily last lifespan of rest of engine.

 

Thank you for the advice. I shall hold off on the timing chain and just replace the valve, unless it came from the original.
If the whining persists I might be in need of one of your TCT's. I still have the original TCT as well.

 

if you have the original, sending it in for a billman unit would be my move.

 

This. Get the Billman tct

You really gonna try and put a mission critical part that is made to never come apart, but fell apart, back together and run it in your engine?

Or worse, run a bad reputation version of said mission critical part?

 

As the OP is a subject in Great Britain, it may be problematic to obtain Billman's TCT. Hope he can get one.