Quote:
Originally Posted by S-Class Guru
They say these M103 timing chains last "forever".
Mine has approx 180k miles, and seems perfectly fine, with no noise, no visibly over-worn guides, no visible cam-timing change, etc.
Oil changes every 3-4K.
But, should I roll a new one in, just for preventative maintenance after 18 years? Not a lot of cost, I can do the job myself.
I had a belt tensioner break in half and strand us last year, so I'm sensitive to these catastrophic failure potentials.
DG
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I wouldn't touch it, bottom ends have been known to last 500k+ with good maintenance. It may make sense to do if you're doing the top end but I agree with the other poster that you can introduce problems. An engineering term is that once you strengthen one part (or add a new part) you make the other parts weaker. That said, if the parts have worn equally then why add in a new part to the equation?
BTW, the tensioner (rubber) has a higher and earlier failure rate than the chain. There are many failures from untrained mechanics trying to adjust tension without loosening the set bolt.
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