Billman's TCT
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From: Long Island, New York
A TCT cannot be installed without pinning, or bolt retraction, period.
If the tensioner was drawn in ANY amount with the bolts, then it is an install error and will overtighten the chain.
Ask him to briefly explain how it was installed.
If the tensioner was drawn in ANY amount with the bolts, then it is an install error and will overtighten the chain.
Ask him to briefly explain how it was installed.
Last edited by Billman250; Apr 18, 2018 at 12:48 PM.
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Yea, I had left the bolt that I used to retract the cylinder prior to install next to the unit in my car. Aside from asking him how he did it, is there any other way you can think of proving the failure was install? Or proving the TCT was, and is still functioning properly, perhaps outside of the vehicle.
Is there technically any other way (besides a worn-out worm gear) for a TCT to fail than this incorrect tension on install? Like I said, I have two TCT's: does demonstrating that both of them function perfectly in hand in a comparison mean anything?
Is there technically any other way (besides a worn-out worm gear) for a TCT to fail than this incorrect tension on install? Like I said, I have two TCT's: does demonstrating that both of them function perfectly in hand in a comparison mean anything?
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I've been using Billman's TCT for about a week now. Engine noticeably runs healthier, stronger, smoother cruising and also throughout the rev range (accel and decel), much more consistent/even combustions, solid and quiet idle. I notice it most during freeway cruising (super smooth, purrs nicely and pulls stronger) and also during downshifts, decel and engine braking. Blips/heel-toe seems quicker as well (engine noticeably feels more responsive). All around, engine just sounds and feels a lot better throughout the entire rev-range and in all situations (hold steady cruise, response, accel, decel engine braking, etc., etc.). Purrs like a new engine. This is perhaps the #1/Best engine mod/fix you could get and I should have got it a lot sooner when I first got the car. A+++++
Thanks.
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Foothills East of Sacramento
Not doubting anything you are saying, have heard this from others here as well, but what is the mechanical explanation for the smoother, stronger engine performance? How can timing chain tension effect engine characteristics so drastically, and how did Honda get it sooooo wrong? And why was this not a factory recall?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Often times someone in the field has a better view of what works than engineers do in the office. Billman is one of those. His experience and desire to help out fellow S2000 enthusiasts has produced, in this case, a superior TCT. I put one in proactively before symptoms appeared.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 22,390
Likes: 1,842
From: Long Island, New York
Yea, I had left the bolt that I used to retract the cylinder prior to install next to the unit in my car. Aside from asking him how he did it, is there any other way you can think of proving the failure was install? Or proving the TCT was, and is still functioning properly, perhaps outside of the vehicle.
Is there technically any other way (besides a worn-out worm gear) for a TCT to fail than this incorrect tension on install? Like I said, I have two TCT's: does demonstrating that both of them function perfectly in hand in a comparison mean anything?
Is there technically any other way (besides a worn-out worm gear) for a TCT to fail than this incorrect tension on install? Like I said, I have two TCT's: does demonstrating that both of them function perfectly in hand in a comparison mean anything?
The only way your chain can be over tightened with an OEM TCT is if it is installed improperly (not retracted first).
Their install explanation should include how the unit was retracted. If it doesn’t, then it is likely wasn’t retracted.
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OEM worm gears do not wear out. That is a misconception people have made, based on the original sandblasting concept. The only way to destroy an OEM worm gear is to take a dremel or sandpaper to it.
The only way your chain can be over tightened with an OEM TCT is if it is installed improperly (not retracted first).
Their install explanation should include how the unit was retracted. If it doesn’t, then it is likely wasn’t retracted.
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Yeah i read about the worm gear sandblasting, seemed like a weird fix to me. So what is it that wears out in the TCT to cause it to malfunction then? If it works well when new but ceases to work properly later, something went out of spec. I've seen them disassembled before, but there are no rubber bits that could fail. I think just the spring and the metal plunger.
Just installed my Billman250 Gen X TCT, man what a difference in engine sound! It doesn't sound like a diesel anymore when I come home from a drive and shut her down. Great piece of mind to know that the proper cam chain tension is being applied now and it is not too tight or too loose at all rpms... Well worth the dollars!
Jive
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Big Thanks to Billman for offering this service for the community. Quick Question, how would you compare your TCT to say a Ballade brand? Does your perform better? cost effectiveness? overall design? Curious to know as a OCD buyer who's looking to replace his TCT.