What’s your TCT retraction style?
02-24-2024, 09:43 AM
#11
Registered User
The Ballade TCT does not compress and lock to an obvious point where you can insert a pin like an OEM one or Billmans. From my experience it takes a lot of effort to compress the piston to its final state, which is flush with the TCT body.
If you buy a used Ballade TCT or theoretically even a new one it may not be fully retracted. Although I have not experienced it myself, the Ballade TCT may not even properly fit some engines even when fully compressed. This is the result of how the Ballade TCT is designed.
Nevertheless, people will proceed to install it, even if it requires using the TCT bolts to force the TCT body flush with the head. The end result as a timing chain that is over tensioned.
If you use an OEM or Billman TCT there is no question what the fully compressed state is, since you can fit a pin over the piston.
If you buy a used Ballade TCT or theoretically even a new one it may not be fully retracted. Although I have not experienced it myself, the Ballade TCT may not even properly fit some engines even when fully compressed. This is the result of how the Ballade TCT is designed.
Nevertheless, people will proceed to install it, even if it requires using the TCT bolts to force the TCT body flush with the head. The end result as a timing chain that is over tensioned.
If you use an OEM or Billman TCT there is no question what the fully compressed state is, since you can fit a pin over the piston.
So, basically, use good mechanical skills: Always install things fingerthigt and doublechek cleranceces and play before you finally grab the torque wrench.
Last edited by Mr.Matchbox; 02-24-2024 at 09:48 AM.
02-26-2024, 08:10 AM
#12
The TODA piston is the same size as the stock one, the secret sauce in the TODA TCT is that they use a washer to shim the base that the piston sits on, this is why it's held on with a bolt, not a pin. This is why I like Billman's TCT better, it's closer to OEM it installs like OEM, but functions just as well if not better than the TODA version. And if you ship him your old core it ends up being cheaper overall.
03-04-2024, 08:02 AM
#13
Thanks!
Thanks all for the feedback. The Billman pry against cap bolt technique worked well for TCT removal.
Also, the Soviet method for retracting on the bench by pushing on the piston while tightening the retraction bolt at the same time was the only way that allowed far enough retraction to insert a set pin for me.
Using a wing nut made a big difference too—easier to tighten. A 3D printed jig helped protect machined surfaces while clamped in vise.
Also, the Soviet method for retracting on the bench by pushing on the piston while tightening the retraction bolt at the same time was the only way that allowed far enough retraction to insert a set pin for me.
Using a wing nut made a big difference too—easier to tighten. A 3D printed jig helped protect machined surfaces while clamped in vise.
Last edited by isthisusernameavailable; 03-04-2024 at 08:15 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post