Timing Chain Replacement

[Col Webb]

I'm replacing my timing chain this weekend and have read all of the postings. My question is when joining the ends of the new chain do you use the clip on the master link or do you use a chain press to mushroom the pins? does it matter on this engine? any advice is appreciated. Thanks Chuck

[stickandrudderman]

The choice is yours.

[ja17]

It also depends on the type of chain you use. If the chain master link has the grooves for the clip and the clip included, it is not meant to be crimped on. If the chain master link has no grooves and no clip,  it is a crimp on style. Most of the M130 chains are clip style I believe.

Now there are the original replacement chains with the "single clip" oval  master link and the more modern replacement chains with the two samll "c clip" master link. The "double c clip master link" is a little harder to deal with since the "c clips" are very small. However, if one of the c clips comes off a running engine, the link will stay together. With an oval clip, if it comes off a running engine, failure will occur. You can argue that a crimp on is the safest next to the original "endless timing chain" (no master link).  In any case, when done properly any configuration is almost 100 % reliable.

[cbenz1]

how often does it get replaced?

[ja17]

They are usually ready to be replaced after 100,000 miles. Each of the over 200 pins of the links in the chain, wear a bit.  So the chain actually becomes longer. Eventually the tensioner cannot take up all the slack and it can break or jump time. In addition, as it becomes looser, it slaps around wearing chain rails and sprockets.

[Col Webb]

Thanks all. Chuck