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MG MGA - Timing chain tensioner

I'm finally getting back to work putting my MGA's original engine together after a 14 year hiatus (I'm ashamed it has been so long). The timing chain tensioner that I installed when I was working on it before is a reproduction part which does not have the anti push back device like the original had. This struck me as being odd at the time, but I bolted it up and it seemed to fit okay (engine has not been run, it sat in a crate until a couple months ago).

I'm just wondering how important the anti push back device is, and if I should try to acquire a different tensioner which includes one. And, if so, where to order it and be sure of not getting another copy of the one I already have? If anybody has ordered one of these from Moss or V.B. lately I'd love to hear what type you got.
Del Rawlins

I have always bought these from Moss US. I have never seen one without the anti push back parts. Maybe I haven't lived long enough yet. See here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/cs103.htm
Barney Gaylord

I thought they all had them. You have to install it and then remove small bolt on the end opposite the heel and insert and twist a small allen key to "activate" it, then replace the small bolt and bend the two lock tabs.
dominic clancy

I'll be sure to get a picture of it when I tear it back down. I distinctly remember that there was no provision in the new tensioner for the device, because we tried to fit the one from the old tensioner unsuccessfully. The part was purchased either from Moss or the place in Rhode Island sometime in late 1991 or early 1992. I probably saved the receipts but there is no telling what happened to them in the meantime. I feel fortunate just to know where all of my stockpiled parts are.
Del Rawlins

This thread was discussed between 01/11/2006 and 04/11/2006

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