1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
"1) Feed a new chain through (nobody seems to recommend this)"
Many have talked about it but have never come across anyone that has done this. It seems easy on paper, but tricky when trying to roll it all in there and keep the timing correct (never done it, but it seems like it would). Besides, I'm not sure how you crack the link in the chain and feed it through. A) I couldn't get the link out, and B) There was no designated removeable link on ANY chain I've seen to date. The timing chain is not a bicycle chain and therefore would make sense not to have this week link (I race mtn bikes and that link is always the first to blow). And if the chain is worn, the guides are too.
"2) Change the chain and sprockets without removing the head ( potential for damaging the head gasket)"
Yes, you could. You don't have to remove the head, which has more labor involved, but there will be crap in the way and thus make it more difficult (in my mind at least).
"3) Remove the head and replace the chain and sprockets (safest but most time consuming) "
The most time consuming and virtual pain in the ass was getting the intake bolts off the head. They're crammed in there and I could only turn them like what seemed 1/16 of a turn at a time! If you don't have service records that say when the last head gasket was installed, why not do it now? As you said yourself, you don't mind it being off the road for a while. Timing chain re&re is a weekend job max... more time if you actually have a life or just want to tinker a little bit at a time. This wouldn't be a bad tinker project as long as you label what bolts came from where.
"I asked if the head came off, should it go to the machine shop? He said that would be a waste of money"
Couldn't agree more. The only time you need to resurface a head is if you overheated it and it warped. If it has a good seal now (barring a blown gasket) it's fine. Money saved.
As for a gasket sealer, the best stuff to use (and recommended by my retired SAAB master mechanic) is the RED sealant. I'll try and see if I can find the leftover tube and get the specifics on it. It seals with no mess and lasts forever.
Bottom line is that there's a ton of stuff that has to come off and all that stuff has (what seems like) a thousand bolts holding it in place. I'm not a small person either (6'3" 220 and hands the size of a gorilla) so the tight working space wasn't conducive to my size either. It's time consuming, but no surprises on as to what has to come off etc. HAVE FUN!
posted by 216.166.1...
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