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Timing chain condition Posted by Ari [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: anything good to check/replace when valve cover is off?, aaron, Mon, 20 Dec 2004 17:57:28 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
This is a perfect time to inspect the timing chain for 'stretch'. Look at the chain - it's normal to have some scuff marks (it has been going 'round for 13 years), but it shouldn't look badly worn. Pins and links should look in good shape. Same with the cam sprocket teeth - They won't be brand-new sharp,but they shouldn't look badly worn.
Next, turn the engine over to TDC for cylinder #1. On each cam sprocket you'll see a mark, and a little "V" on the cam bearing block. They should line up. Ideally, both marks will fall right in the middle of the "V"; at a minimum, they should both be within the 'arms' of the V. If one lines up better than another, that implies some chain wear. If they're both off in the same direction a little bit, make sure you've got the engine set to true TDC.
Basically, if the marks fall within the "V"s, then the chain isn't too stretched. Chains don't stretch - they wear - the pins get smaller, the links elongate a little. Add that up over the length of the chain, and it gets longer. This is a sign of chain wear. A chain that isn't stretched, and is visually OK, is the best way to know if you've got timing chain problems. Where this pays dividends is when you hear a rattle, you can feel that it probably isn't the chain.
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