Chain Replacement Tool

[mach4]

I'm starting to gear up to replace the timing chain on my 617. I decided to build a guide tool to facilitate threading in the new chain and removing the old one.

Here is the thought process and the fabrication steps in building the tool.

I first fabbed up a base plate for the tool, tieing in to the bolt for the front lift point as well as an unused bolt hole lower and to the left. In addition I have a bolt in the pin for the upper chain guide to provide a third reference point.



Next, I fabricated the front support piece. The center hole rides against the cam gear for support and centering. I also clearanced for the chain guide bolt to get the right alignment.



I next cut and carefully bent the chain guide to fit closely against the chain.



Then just welded things up and cut the hole for the chain access. Even though the rig is quite sturdy, I added a rear support member that ties into the valve cover bolt on the drivers side.



Here's another view.



The final step will be to powercoat the tool.

This should make the job pretty quick and easy and I should be able to do it by myself.