Re-building 1983 617- timing chain question

[tobrien]

I'm working on re-building a motor out of a '83 SD 300, my customer wants to put it into an old Land Rover. Having a bit of trouble figuring out what to do with the timing chain. I've built several Rover engines, but their diesels have belts and their v-8s the timing chain is slipped on around the cogs which are slid onto the ends of the cam and crank together.
So anyway, I have the cam and the crank aligned and I'm trying to figure out how to get the master link attached- the two plates for the link we got were both interference fit. I have the crimping tool from SIR tools, but I don't see a way to get the first plate slid halfway across the link and still be able to get the second row of chain onto the pins. What am I missing here?

Is it acceptable to file out the holes in the plate to give it a very slight clearance fit? Is there another tool I need?

[Fulcrum525]

Here you go, this should help!
How to Replace Your Timing Chain


Also are we talking about a series rover or a Discovery?

[Stretch]

Do not make the holes bigger to make a slight clearance fit. It is made to be pressed.

If you you are at all nervous about the timing chain alignment - don't forget the tensioner - remove the rocker arms and you can fiddle about to your heart's content. If you haven't already checked behind the cam shaft cog - these engines sometimes have an offset key fitted to correct for chain elongation. You don't want that in there with a new chain.

[tobrien]

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Also are we talking about a series rover or a Discovery?

It's an early 70s series truck. I think a 72, mostly, but it's a bitsa truck- bitsa this one, bitsa that one, bitsa this other one over here...

[Diesel911]

The timing chain info should be in the below Threads.
DIY Repair Links
DIY Links by Parts Category - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum
PeachPartsWiki: Do It Yourself Articles - Mercedes Vehicles

The head on the crimping tool has a position on it to press on the out side link and you rotate the Head to another position to crimp the Link.
I can't recall if the same head position is used to push on the center link.

However, I don't see why a Vice Grips or a C- Clamp (or a pair of them) could not be used to press the Link on the shaft Ends. Once on the Shafts you can use a 1/4" drive deep socket to drive it on and use the Crimp Tool with the correct head position to install the outer link.