Looking for Diesel timing chain master link crimp tool - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Motorhead · #1 12-15-2002, 11:26 PM

I am looking for anybody or a tool place that has the timing chain master link crimp tool for sale for the 5 cyl and 240. Anyone that has a used one to sell? Any info on a new one and where to buy helpful too.

#2 12-16-2002, 08:55 AM

I have crimped several chains with a ball peen hammer and a body dolly to back it up. It works great. There is very little force on the pins in the direction that would force them out.

Good luck,

gsxr · #3 12-17-2002, 03:49 PM

Performance Products (.com) sells the tool for ~$195, or they rent it for $40 plus S&H both ways (21 days total). Although the hammer method works, I'm the type that would rather have the chain crimped with the proper tool... if anything bad happens it can destroy the valves & head! Baum Tools also sells the same tool, similar price.

Motorhead · #4 12-17-2002, 10:04 PM

Thanks for the info Dave! I might rent it and have a machinist friend of mine look at it and see if he could make me one. I think that it is a rather simple tool that cradles the chain and has a hardened cupped shank bolt that you screw onto the link to crimp it. Chris

#5 12-18-2002, 07:20 AM

There is relatively ZERO tension against the "crimp." The force of tension is at a right angle to the crimp. Therefore, it doesn't take much of a crimp to keep it in place.

That said, I take much care in making the crimp. To start with, I see that the rounded edge of the hole in the plate is toward the crimp to offer more surface area and to prevent a sharp edge that can cause a crack. You should pay attention to this regardless of the tool used.

Secondly, you start peening in the middle to force the edges out evenly, then work outwards in a circle.

If, of course, one were not experienced with a hammer, this would be beyond their skill level.

Good luck,

#6 12-18-2002, 08:33 AM

I own the tool.
What you will find out is that it more than three metal things put together.
The business end {anvil} is removable and works in both directions. If the machinist time is $40 per hour You will easy spend more than the Performance Prod. price with labor and cost of steel stock.
If you plan on keeping car and need a chain every 150K or so two rentals and shipping will almost pay for the tool. Also Larry method does work with hammer and dolly.
I have three car to spread the cost of tooling over. That's why I bought it.
Good luck.
Charlie

P.E.Haiges · #7 12-18-2002, 09:41 AM

Charlie,

Why don't you offer to rent out the tool to others here for a reasonable price (maybe $10) plus a deposit. Eventually the tool would pay for itself and maybe make you a buck.

If the tool sustained any damage, it could be deducted from the deposit. Same goes for a late return.

P E H

#8 12-18-2002, 09:57 AM

P.E.,

Great suggestion, but just a warning. I've already tried this. I loaned a tool to someone here over a year ago. It was an expensive prechamber tool. I haven't seen it since.

I will not mention their name, but they no longer post here unless they have reregistered under a different name.

It's sad, but there are people out there that will take advantage of your good nature.

Your suggestion would work if a deposit was received or something like that. It would be nice if we could come up with some system here to allow us to help each other with such things while minimizing the risk.

I have bought and sold several things to other mshop posters with outstanding results. Two items very recently that went well. I personally believe that most people will do what they say and are not setting out to be a thief. I like to think that our siblings here on Mshop are something special, and I believe we are. But, I guess there will always occasionally be someone who wasn't taught any better.

Have a great day,

#9 12-18-2002, 08:33 PM

Boy do I agree about loaning tools.. Never seems to work out...

On the master links you get today.. the outside link is a very good fit to the post on the link... Odds are that because there is no side load.. and the rubber on the slides has the chain prints on them.. that if you just pushed it on and ran it that way it would last for ever.. Ya.. I do not have the guts to do that.. but do think it would work.. The fit on the link is so close that once you deform the end by crimping or taping with a hammer that there is no way the link can get off.. The big thing is to be sure that there is some play in the link like all the rest.. Do no smash the link so there is no play binding it so it does not want to move free.. But they make the master link a bit longer so you should not have that problem unless you just beat it to death.. However I have never seen one come apart at the master.. Only when the post have worn thru.... I have even pulled the real old type with the two clips .. One on each post of the master.. and seen where one had fallen off.. And once saw a 240 with the newer one clip master and it had come off.. But the chain did not come apart... Those masters with the one clip had to have the clip put on so the open ends followed and did not lead as they would come apart..

Point to all this is... Use a tool if you have one or can find one... However if not Peen the ends of the master.. put a big hammer or some thing behind each pin and take your time and do a nice job.. once you deform it and the post past the link expands there is no way it will come off..

Ken

leathermang · #10 12-18-2002, 09:30 PM

Charlie, Please,, if you have some way to carefully measure the tool would you send me the specs ? My " machinist time" is worth nothing...

So I would come out ahead .....

#11 12-19-2002, 10:15 AM

I am in the middle of a job right now but should finish by Monday. Have a little last minute shopping to do, but I will be free by Christmas Eve.
Here is my e-mail address.
cmitch52@att.net
Send me a land mailing address and I will take
measurements and make a few drawings{realize I am
a photographer because I can't draw worth a darn] but I will get the point across.
I am not offering to do this via computer because I don't have scanner. And can't draw on this beast.
As to the question of renting or loaning them.
I have no Mastercard or Visa account so I have no security.
And I never loan Tools,guns or my wife I have them fitting just the way I like it and don't won't them returned all screw up. And Profermance Products provides this service and they can buy the tools at wholesale.
Larry I have the PreChamber Puller and both Locking colar tools would be glad to measure them up for you. The one area that I am weak in, is telling you the tread pitch and size. But I have a friend who is a master machinest and he could provide this info, but it will take me a month or six week.
In fact once I have this info I will provided it to anyone if I can get it scanned.
Maybe this will help. On the tool problem. Best I can do.
Charlie

leathermang · #12 12-19-2002, 11:02 AM

Charlie, that would be great.... I am interested in the measurements of any and all special tools which you have time to measure...
I am hoping to have repro's made by the spring get together here in Austin so people can use them at that meeting... like happened at the last one.. for most people these tools are out of their tool budget given the number of times they will use them....
As a photog... if you want to just put rulers across them at the appropriate places and take pics that would probably do just fine... including the threads..(however, that master machinist being available is the cat's meow on that subject ),...
Will send info... Thanks, Greg

If you provide the info I

'think'

we can find someone to scan it for you .

Stevo · #13 12-19-2002, 12:29 PM

I followed Larry Bibles advice and used the ball peen and body tool, worked great. The heardest part was putting on and taking off the side plate when I cranked the new chain through.