Timing chain measurement - out of engine

GrimGreaser

Is there a way to tell how stretched a timing chain is with it out of the engine? I have two, and both looked a little loose when I pulled them off, but those were the the first 308's I have ever taken apart. Curious as to how bad they might have been.

[Deleted User]

If the engine is apart ,replace the timing chains. A big bang for the buck.......I have used Mass men double roller and it is very good . I can recommend this part and the Mass men are very helpful if you have any problems...Randy is the man!!! The book recomends replacement of a stock chain every 40,000 miles . Mine was the worst ,streached and worn chain I had ever seen and the chain was hitting the cover. Look at your covers and if you see any marks from the chain ,you will know that it is no good for sure.Other wise ,tack it back on the block and check !

[Deleted User]

I agree that if you have an item like that out you may as well replace. But if you wish to check for wear on a roler chain of any type even down to a bycicle chain . Wrap it around a good or preferably new sprocket tight . Then with your fingers see if you can pull the links up away from the sprocket ner the middle of the part you wraped on the sprocket. A nice new chain and sprocket will not pull away fron the sprocket, Worn ones will . The manufacturer of course publishes dimentions between links per foot of chain etc. but that is tricky to check.
Roger

GrimGreaser

I planned to replace it (want, but can't afford Mass' roller chain), but curious how bad it was. You have an engine you think is in pretty decent shape,runs pretty good, till you get into it... then you find all the issues.

ski4life65

Erik

I probably have a new one you can compare yours to.

Don

[Deleted User]

HI,GRIMGREASER I HAVE A CLIFFORDS TIMING CHAIN NEW IN THE BOX.

[Deleted User]

Easy to tell, lay it on a smooth surface and if the top part touches the bottom the chain is junk. If it only goes half way, chain is good for many more miles. If it's off the engine just replace it and save yourself some work later. Walt