I just had the same problem with an IWIS chain: NEITHER of the supplied links would fit onto the master link.

Seems like they included two of the outside links instead of one outside and one sliding middle link. Even with the proper tool, it isn't possible to force the MIDDLE link into position when the chain is on the camshaft sprocket because of how the links interfere with the chain.

Fortunately, when I ordered the chain I had also ordered another master link. I actually THOUGHT I was ordering the kind with the c-clips, but alas when it arrived it was the swage/crimp-on type just like the one included with the chain. An important difference though: the "spare" master link was indeed supplied with two different link plates, one designed to slip on without force as the middle link, and one that is forced on with the tool. They were even different colours.

So I slid the middle link plate into position and used the tool to force the outside link plate on, then swaged the ends using the tool.

For reference, numbers for the separate IWIS master link were:
IWIS D67HP-7
IWIS 00028304
MB# 000 997 28 98
AllParts Express: MBZ070532

The master link that came with the chain was marked IWIS D67HP-2 (Article 70006673). Both link plates were the same colour.

keywords: master link, IWIS, timing chain, won't fit, crimp, swage

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David Bruckmann, Oakland, CA

Current:
66 Citroën DS21
72 MB 280SEL 4.5
73 MB 450SLC
76 Citroën 2CV6
76 MB 300D
79 MB 300SD
Past:
70 Citroën DS21 (170kkm)/71 Citroën DS21 (137kkm)/72 Citroën DS21 (502kkm)/78 MB 300D (1,200,000 km-ish)/79 MB 300D (425kkm)/79 MB 300TD (260kkm)/81 Citroën 2CV6 (120kkm)/88 Merkur XR4Ti (209kkm)/81 Peugeot 505 GRD (350kkm)/84 MB 300TD (385kkm)/85 Toyota Camry (330kkm)/86 Renault 9 1.7L (155kkm)/02 Golf TDI (74kkm)