Originally Posted by barry123400

There are many reasons not to just change the timing chain without checking it. The most important is what if the previous owner changed it say 10k ago? Then just a waste of money.
More important is to inspect the chain guide in my opinion. If the chain checks good. There is no really sensible option to getting a proper chain stretch reading. To be accurate you have to make sure that an offset key has not already been installed on the cam. They tell me harbour freight has a dial gauge and magnetic base for about twenty five dollars on sale. Useful for other things as well over the years.