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On-Condition maintenance Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Wed, 25 Jun 2003 08:09:43
In Reply to: Timing Chain 160 or 250k Kilometers?, Bob Johnson, Wed, 25 Jun 2003 06:28:49 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
There is no recommended service interval for the timing chain. The timing chain should be replaced when it needs to be replaced. Depending on the frequency of oil changes, engine use, and just car-to-car differences, some chains require changing sooner than others. Most chains last well over 300+ Km.
Replacing a chain is not cheap. You can always 'roll-in' a new chain. But if the chain needs replacement, chances are good that the sprockets and chain guides also need replacement. So to do it right, chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets should be replaced. Not cheap.
If you are worried about the chain, I do not recommend just replacing it. Instead, inspect it. Remove the valve cover - chances are the valve cover gasket is already weeping oil onto the exhaust header and needs replacment anyway. Visually inspect inspect the chain for wear. A worn chain will look, well, worn. Turn the engine to Top Dead Center (TDC) for cylinder #1, and check the alignment of the marks on the cam against those on the head. If they line up well, the chain hasn't 'stretched.' If they don't line up, the chain has worn.
Chains don't 'stretch'. but the pins and link holes wear. This additional play makes the chain longer. If the alignmnet marks are right, then the chain isn't worn.
This inspection is about an hour's worth of work - 55 minutes for removal and installation of a new valve cover gasket, and 5 minutes to inspect the chain. If the chain is worn, think about replacing it. If the chain looks fine, then replacing it 'just because it's old' is an expensive option for no good reason.
Good luck!
posted by 192.249....
, Wed, 25 Jun 2003 08:09:43 <-- Viewing This Message
, Wed, 25 Jun 2003 12:28:05, Wed, 25 Jun 2003 06:50:22
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