HEART OF THE
ENGINE
Demand for timing
chains has seen a
significant growth in
recent years as popular
vehicle manufacturers have
opted to integrate the chain
system into their engines. The shift
of interest towards chain systems across
all makes and engine sizes has presented
a new and exciting set of challenges for
the aftermarket.
BGA explains timing chain systems and
how four critical components within
the system contribute to smooth
engine operation.
CLEARING UP THE MISCONCEPTION
There is a general misconception that a timing chain will last
for the life of a vehicle. However, chains, sprockets and other
components will actually stretch and wear over time. This is
especially prevalent in vehicles that are poorly maintained and oil
change intervals are not adhered to.
CRITICAL COMPONENTS
The timing chain system comprises four critical components – the
chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets.
When replacing one
engine component, it
is best practice to replace
all associated parts. By doing
this, the condition of the timing
components are uniform to help optimise
the service lifespan of the system.
Installers are now recognising the importance of
replacing the sprockets with the timing chain, tensioner and
guides (all in BGA’s Full Kit (FK)). This change in purchasing
habits has surfaced due to a greater understanding of the impact
of sprockets:
• Part repair can result in premature/instant failure
• As the timing system is a precision system, failure of one part will
compromise the others
• Dirty sprockets (oil contaminated) will impede performance of other
components
• Hooked sprockets will damage the chain and severely limit its lifespan
As a result, BGA’s Full Kit (FK) and Full Kit with VVT Sprockets (VFK)
have seen a surge in installer demand.
CHAIN BGA KIT OPTIONS
BGA considers the timing
chain as the “heart of the
engine”. Connecting the
crankshaft to the camshaft,
it controls the opening and
closing of the engine valves. • Kit (K)
Chain, tensioner
and guides
• Full Kit (FK)
Contents of (K) plus
sprockets, timing
cover gasket, oil seal,
feed pipe and bolts
• V VT Kit (VFK)
Contents of (FK) with
the addition of VVT
sprocket(s)
GUIDES
Chain guides are used to
keep the timing chain from
vibrating.
ALL IN ONE
FULL KIT
TENSIONER
Ensures that the timing chain
is kept under proper tension.
SPROCKETS
Transfer the power from the
crankshaft to the chain, to
camshafts.
It is also important to note that engines with variable valve timing
(VVT) also require additional sprockets specifically for the VVT system
to maintain the accurate timing required to function accordingly.
8 TIMING CHAIN SYSTEMS
QUALITY AND VALUE AVAILABLE FROM FPS
BGA timing kit prices reduced significantly by 26.8% following a price
realignment exercise in the final quarter of 2017. With 280 references
covering more than 6,000 applications, BGA kits offer replacement
solutions for popular vehicle manufacturers including BMW, Audi,
VAG and many more. Each BGA component is manufactured to meet or
exceed OE specifications and vigorously tested to ensure utmost quality.
Catalogued on the F:Drive and MAM Autocat, BGA timing kits are
available from FPS via same/next-day delivery. For more information,
please speak with your local FPS representative.
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 49