Chips out of a camshaft sprocket?

[ollieboy]

Would it be ok to run with chipped sprockets? They are not too badly chipped but they are where the cambelt would sit. They must have been chipped at the last cambelt change and that was about 100,000 kms ago so I'm assuming it should be ok?

It's my girlfriends car so I don't want to put the cambelt on and then have it snap because of the chips. I would feel really quite bad if that happened.

Cheers
Ollie

[glenb20V]

my first question would be where did the chips come from and why? and if there are marks on the new belt what is causeing them?
Fix the cause and you'll fix the problem

[ollieboy]

I'm not sure as they were there when I took off the cambelt. My guess is however when they were removing the cam sprocket bolts they used a wrench but didn't put cloth around sprocket to protect it.

That is only a very wild guess however

[glenb20V]

make sure that all (that means ALL) the cam and crank teeth are clear of any burs or marks. any burrs will will stuff the belt.

[ollieboy]

Ah right, how would I get rid of them if they are there? Would it be ok sandpapering etc. or is it more serious then that?

[glenb20V]

if there is burrs, use a file. sandpapeer just takes longer. BUT How did they get there in the first place. you need to look at the underlying problem. if there was one, like a stray bolt.

[ollieboy]

Well thats good news. I can't see any stray bolts or anything- it does look consistent with wrench marks though. I know the guy who did the last cambelt change so can ask him if he used a wrench to get sprockets off.