Replace Chains?
 

How will I know if I should replace my chains when doing the tensioner update? are there telltale signs of wear to look for? I already have the new chains with the "master link" but it is a lot more work I believe. So I would prefer not replacing them if possible.

What should I look for?

Shawn

the guy at the Porsche parts place says chains are usually replaced at rebuild time, and almost never in between rebuilds. My chain looked fine when I put the Carrera tensioners on. With motorcycles, you look for evidence the chain's rollers have tried to climb up the sprocket teeth. The evidence will appear on the sprocket teeth. My sprocket teeth looked like they came right out of the box and the chain looked fine too. Some say the endless chains (probably in your car now) are better than keyed ones anyway, but I'll withhold judgment here.

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'83 SC

Davis,
There is a ruler that you can buy that will tell you whether your chain is won out or not; from experience chains usually last for a very long time!
Iyad

Shawn,
I believe that chains are measured to indicate whether they need replacement (aside from obvious physical damage). I just had my motor rebuilt and chains were well within tolerance at 110 thousand miles and not replaced. This, according to my mechanic, and I hope he is right.

Joe
'80 SC Targa

As a chain wears, it appears to stretch in length. This can be measured by a change (retard?) in the cam timings.

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Graham Archer
83 911SC Cab