Is it time to replace the timing chains?

[Walter_Middie]

I have a 2.7L that was rebuilt about 55,000 miles ago, but the timing chains were not replaced. There are now 217,000 miles on this car.

The right side timing chain is just starting to make some noise. I tore it apart, and here are some pictures.

Are the timing chains stretched out too much? The tensioners seem to have plenty of tension.

[Mick_D]

Chains are cheap. 200K is plenty for one lifetime.

[Walter_Middie]

Chains are cheap. 200K is plenty for one lifetime.

I agree, but I thought it would be obvious what was making a loose chain noise on the right side. I don't see anything terrible.

I just want to be sure if I replace the chains and sprockets, the noise will be gone.

[Flat6pac]

With the problems with snap link chains that have been posted lately, although I don't use or recommend them, I would sure be wary.
You have lots of tensioner clearance on the left side so chain stretch isn't a problem. Right side it's harder to ascertain stretch.
Bruce

[VFR750]

Could be your tensioner is failing. Also wear on the RHS idler arm bushing is much more likely compared to the LHS increasing the out of alignment noticeable on the tooth wear.

[Walter_Middie]

Thanks Bruce - I wonder if I just rebuilt the tensioners and put it back together and see if the noise goes away. It only took me a couple of hours to get the timing covers off - not the end of the world if I had to do it again.

[al lkosmal]

Rex,
Based on the pics, it does not look like your chains are too stretched out to me. I'd rebuild the tensioners, check the idlers and other components for wear, etc and give it a go.

regards,
al

[Walter_Middie]

Thanks Al - that's exactly what I did. I just finished cleaning the tensioners and adding clean new oil. I did an oil and filter change on the engine, and just fired it up for the first time. No chain noise! Success!

My tensioners are obviously a custom fit on a mid-year. The tensioners are part #930 105 847 4R . The rebuild kit I bought was Part #: 911-105-901-01-OEM, but none of the parts in the rebuild kit seem to fit my tensioners. Unfortunately, the kit does not include any information on what's included in it or what years car they cover. I ended up not using any of the parts. I just cleaned the old tensioners, and made sure all the passageways were clear. It seems to have worked.

In case you're wondering what took me so long to finish - I rebuilt the engine on one of my motorcycles over the past few weeks - so I had 2 projects going at the same time. Both were completed about the same time, and today I put the finishing touches on both projects.

Thanks again to all that gave me suggestions.

[gtc]

Originally Posted by Mick_D

Chains are cheap. 200K is plenty for one lifetime.

Chains are cheap, but the six sprockets are not. (I just replaced all mine)

Mine were pretty stretched but still quiet at ~375,000 miles.

[manbridge 74]

Pics shows teeth wear pretty good. When teeth appear to "lean forward" you know they and chains are well worn.

[gtc]

I am surprised there is no "chain checker" tool like they have for bicycle chains. You'd think it would be easy enough to do, and solve lots of these problems.