Shorter Guide Rail

[Harry]

Here's a picture of what came out of the engine.  You can see it is partially deteriorated although it "feels" to still be pretty rigidly attached.  I checked around today and the Classic Center has this shorter one for about $230(!).  Bud's has a replacement plastic version that is about $110.  Clearly I would prefer to have the original style but if the plastic one works as well, maybe it'is OK to go that way.  Seems like I had seen an older post by Joe Alexander that supported using the plastic version.

And of course, one option is to simply reinstall the original?

Thoughts?
Harry

[ja17]

Yes, I am not a big fan of paying that kind of money for a plastic one. It does look like your original is not doing well. Some nos original (aluminum rubber versions) turn up on Ebay sometimes.

[Sead]

Here's a picture of what came out of the engine.  You can see it is partially deteriorated although it "feels" to still be pretty rigidly attached.  I checked around today and the Classic Center has this shorter one for about $230(!).  Bud's has a replacement plastic version that is about $110.  Clearly I would prefer to have the original style but if the plastic one works as well, maybe it'is OK to go that way.  Seems like I had seen an older post by Joe Alexander that supported using the plastic version.

And of course, one option is to simply reinstall the original?

Thoughts?
Harry

Hello,

Have sent you PM.

Regards
Sead

[mbzse]

.../...I would prefer to have the original style but if the plastic one works as well.../...

Please note, a chain rail guide should normally not "work" at all. The cam chain should never come into contact with the guide. If it touches, it means the chain is worn and/or the chain tensioner is losing it...
The chain rail guides are there only as a protection, in our M127/129/130 engines.

And of course, one option is to simply reinstall the original?

As material is flaking off your "original" guide (some 50 yrs old), I would not use it. Just think about where that missing material is going (...into the oil canals inside your engine...)