Not sure if any of you have seen this or not, but I just read this from the ClubGP website and thought I would copy it here.
ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting
Here is what Zooomer had to say:
Early summer of 2008 ZZP did a build on a customer's car and installed a JP timing set. Shortly later the chain broke taking out the cam, some valves and pushrods. We replaced all the parts and redid the build at no charge to the customer. Any time someone buys all the parts we recommend and pays us to install them, they get our highest level of warranty service.
We figured it as a fluke and sent the parts to our distributor who then sent them back to Australia who then sent the chain to India for Rolon to inspect. Shortly after that warranty job another chain set broke. Since that time customers started emailing and calling in with broken chains. While waiting to hear back from Rolon and doing our own investigations, the failure rate reached a level where we pulled the product from our site. This was about 2 months ago. Since that time, we have heard of more problems and are now close to a 10% failure rate by estimations of problems vs. chain sets in operation.
In dealing with this issue and doing our own research a lot of information has come out. I was asked not to cause a scare until this matter was researched by Rolon. They took a long time and got back with me about a week ago. They told me that the failure was due to a dampener being used. I told them that we never have used one. Getting ready to post information that no one wants to hear I was asked again not to post while the matter could be looked into further. This time by my distributor. They talked to Rolon who now claims that "something was rubbing on the chain". In my opinion they know nothing was rubbing and are trying to dodge responsibility. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion. Here is the email I sent last:
It's been suggested that the chain failure we sent in was install error or "something was rubbing. Let me expound on the fallacy of this type of reasoning.
1. If the JP sets are shipped so that the engine has to be modified, then it is a faulty product to begin with. There are no instructions listing specifics for the install and if it doesn't fit in the engine, then that is a problem with the manufacturing of the sets. Despite this, we have inspected and are clear that nothing was rubbing.
2. ZZP has never used a dampener when installed a double roller, we have always instructed our customers not to either.
3. We understand that some engines have an issue with the chain clearing the oil pump cover. We double up front cover gaskets and/or use a machined oil pump cover which we also offer to our customers.
4. If the install, clearance, application was the fault of the chain failure, then every chain would fail in the same way. We have not seen that. We have customers with chain that have broken links, others have rollers that have fallen off the pins with the chain still intact. Other have fractured links that are still connected and about to fall off. I have personally seen cars where the chain was rubbing on the front cover and the failure was completely different. It left marks on the front cover and on the timing chain pins, this was not the case in any of the reported failures.
5. We have not had a single Rollmaster failure. We are up to 10% failure with JP sets. if install was the issue, why would JPs be breaking in all types of different ways and Rollmaster sets never have a problem? This includes each failed JP car where a Rollmaster was installed in it's place with no other changes.
6. I must issue a recall statement on the JP chain sets. In my opinion, every vehicle with one on it is in jeopardy of failing. I believe we will eventually reach ~50% failure rate. I'm quite convinced the chains themselves are junk.
I haven't heard back yet but I have been in contact with some other people and gathered more info. They wish to remain anonymous.
As listed above, we have never had an issue with the Rollmaster sets.
Speaking of rollmaster, there are two chains. One has a seam (our replacement from Cloyes) and one does not (included with the rollmaster sets). Neither has had a problem but the one included with the sets is superior. Both appear to be better than the Rolon but neither are compatible with the JP timing gears.
One source told me that the issue could have something to do with the crankshaft differences from AUS motors to US
A modification or inspection was suggested:
Another issue has to do with chain alignment from top to bottom gear. It was suggested that every motor needs to be spec'd for the individual set due to timing differences and when this is not done, some engines will experience failure. It was presented that single row sets should not be using the dampener.
At this time ZZP is recommending everyone inspect their JP sets and/or replace them with Rollmaster. This holds especially true if your JP set is less than a year old. We believe that the Rolon chains are defective as we have never had a failure with the Rollmaster sets. The problem does not seem to be related to valve spring pressure as we have had a double roller fail on multiple cars with 105# springs and one was a VS cam. Ironically the user would have avoided the failure running a stock timing chain The damage from a broken chain is normally limited to bent valves requiring one or both heads to come off and valves needing to be replaced. In some cases we have seen camshafts and lifters taken out. In one lone case, the chain broke and everything was fine. Just replaced the chain and moved on. We are going to continue to press for a resolution from Rolon or JP but so far it's not looking good. If you have an unused set purchased from ZZP, we are asking you return it and inquire about a different solution. If you have a build where you purchased a JP set from ZZP in 2008 and had us do the install, we will perform the inspection for no charge and discuss your options.
*Rollmaster was recently purchased by the investment group that owns JP. The latest batch of Rollmaster we recieved is different. The lower gears are now 2 piece like the JP and the packaging is smaller. The chains appear to be the same JWIS units. We will be conducting further tests, working with the manufactures and assisting customers through this difficult situation. We will also be relying on feedback from the community to assist in our on going investigation and I hope that any users with insight can email me or post here with their information.
