Timing chain

[ufnavy06]

So when I was discussing the cam swap with some family, they mentioned possibly replacing the timing chain while I'm at it. When do we want to do that in these cars? I have 60K miles on it so if I do the cam swap, it might be a good time to do the timing chain too right?

 

['08GTcaRED]

Realistically a timing chain shouldn't be replaced unless there's something wrong with it... We had some work trucks at the shop I used to work at and the timing chains were never even on our checklist for maintenence and I believe the '83 diesel had over 300k on the engine and never had it changed, tightened yes, but not changed. But I could be wrong I'm just a newb mechanic compared to some of the folks on here

I would just check it for proper specs and be done with it if I were you

 

[klaw]

So when I was discussing the cam swap with some family, they mentioned possibly replacing the timing chain while I'm at it. When do we want to do that in these cars? I have 60K miles on it so if I do the cam swap, it might be a good time to do the timing chain too right?

Replacing the timing chains is a much bigger job than just the hotrod cam swap. It includes removal of the front cover and the tensioners, guides etc rather than just the valve covers. At 60K I wouldn't think that it'd be necessary at all.

 

[tb9050lx]

honeslty is this something you are doing yourself?If it is and this is your first time in a mod motor ,good luck.but prob no need to change the chains at this point but i would take a look at the plastic guides and tenioners.

 

[ufnavy06]

Oh, I wasn't saying I was going to replace it, just seeing when, if ever, it needed to be done. We were just discussing it casually. And the timing chain, I would not be doing myself. Just merely suggesting while in there, it might be prudent to do anything which might be coming up soon.

 

[The Fang]

If it was a chevy of some sort i'd say change it.

 

[klaw]

Oh, I wasn't saying I was going to replace it, just seeing when, if ever, it needed to be done. We were just discussing it casually. And the timing chain, I would not be doing myself. Just merely suggesting while in there, it might be prudent to do anything which might be coming up soon.

"In there" in terms of a cam swap is not "in there" in terms of timing chains - not even very close.

 

[ufnavy06]

If it was a chevy of some sort i'd say change it.

Thanks for the humor.