Examination of surface wear on the timing chain tensioner depending on the engine oil contamination

The given paper deals with the wear of the tensioner which is produced from aluminium alloy and used of the motorcycle timing chain. This component was made due to the unavailability on the spare parts market. The AlMgSi1 alloy was chosen for this purpose, taking into account the requirements for producing of the tensioner. After production, the tensioner was put into operation where its functionality was regularly controlled. The suitability of the selected material was checked after the tensioner was removed. Possible damages and structural changes in the material were assessed using a scanning thermoemission electron microscope. Detection of the chemical composition of foreign particles trapped on the surface of the tensioner from engine oil during the operation was performed by EDS analysis.