I checked my timing chain stretch yesterday by using the cam mark method. I had about five degrees of stretch. Well, I did some more reading and noticed people saying its not really an accurate method. I figured it was probably close enough but I thought, what the heck, I'll pick up a dial indicator at Harbor Freight and do it the right way. So I did. I've got 14 degrees of stretch!!!! I performed the test multiple times to make sure I was doing it right and came up with the same result each time. With 2mm of lift my crankshaft reads 25ATDC. I've got a 616 with a #10 cam code which should be 9 degrees ATDC with a new chain or 11 degrees ATDC with a used chain. 25 - 11 gives you 14 degrees of stretch. Yikes!


LET THIS BE A LESSON TO EVERYONE WHO USES THE CAM MARK METHOD. It is NOT always "close enough."

I'd be curious to know if other people have done it by both methods and had the same discrepancy I found.

Scott

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Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
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