Camshaft Drive Chains - Main Engine and Propulsion

Heavy-duty precision chain assembly transmitting crankshaft rotation to the camshaft of mechanically controlled marine diesel engines. It maintains valve and fuel-injection timing under high cyclic loads and is normally supplied to engine-specific dimensions.

ProShipWorks provides end-to-end support to source and supply Camshaft Drive Chains for marine vessels, ship operators, industrial facilities, maintenance teams and procurement departments.

Last updated: October 11, 2026

Product Information

Product Name	Camshaft Drive Chains
Product Category	Main Engine and Propulsion
Product Reference	318
Brands / Manufacturers	Tsubaki, KettenWulf, DAIDO KOGYO
Unit of Measure	Set

Key Features

Key Feature
1. Engine-specific pitch, width and strand configuration
2. Hardened pins, bushes and rollers for high fatigue resistance
3. Designed for continuous lubrication inside the engine chain casing
4. Operates with matched sprockets, guides and tensioning equipment
5. Requires controlled elongation and accurate camshaft timing

Applications of Camshaft Drive Chains

Application
1. Camshaft drive on low-speed two-stroke marine main engines
2. Fuel-injection and exhaust-valve timing systems on mechanically controlled engines
3. Replacement during main-engine overhaul or chain-drive renewal

Models & Manufacturers

Model	Manufacturer
MAN B&W MC/MC-C engine-specific camshaft chain drive	MAN Energy Solutions

Technical Specifications

Model	Specification	Value	Unit
MAN B&W MC/MC-C engine-specific camshaft chain drive	Chain configuration	Heavy-duty multiple-row roller chain; configuration varies by engine type	—
MAN B&W MC/MC-C engine-specific camshaft chain drive	Sizing	Engine-specific according to OEM chain number and drawing	—
MAN B&W MC/MC-C engine-specific camshaft chain drive	Lubrication	Continuous engine-system lubrication as specified by the OEM	—
MAN B&W MC/MC-C engine-specific camshaft chain drive	Replacement criterion	Measured elongation, wear and damage limits specified in the engine maintenance manual	—

Standards, Certifications & Class Approval

Review the available standards and approval information relevant to the product. Actual certification, material traceability, inspection and classification requirements depend on the product type, intended application and purchasing specification.

Applicable Standards & Certification	OEM drawings and engine manuals govern dimensions, materials and acceptance. ISO 606, DIN 8187/DIN 8188 or ASME B29.1 apply only when the specified chain design follows those dimensional series; many main-engine camshaft chains are proprietary.
Class Approval	Normally accepted as part of the class-approved main-engine design rather than by standalone chain type approval. Replacement parts and records may be reviewed by DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas or ClassNK according to vessel class rules and OEM requirements.

Installation, Maintenance & Safety Information

Installation Notes	Confirm the engine serial number, OEM chain reference and matched sprockets. Secure the engine against rotation, align timing marks, maintain sprocket alignment, install connecting components as specified, set chain tension and verify camshaft timing before closing the casing.
Maintenance Tips	Inspect rollers, pins, side plates, guides, sprockets and tensioning equipment. Measure chain elongation at OEM intervals, confirm lubrication flow, investigate abnormal noise or vibration, and renew matched components when wear exceeds engine-manual limits.
Safety Notes	Stop and lock out the main engine, engage the turning-gear interlock and release stored tension using the OEM procedure. Support heavy chain sections with certified lifting equipment. Never work inside the chain casing while the engine can rotate.