M119 Timing Chain DIY???
 

Since I have two cars with the M119 engine, one with 130,000 miles and the other with 150,000 miles, I’m gathering information on changing the timing chain. I’m fairly mechanically inclined, so I’m assessing whether I should attempt the job myself. Opinions regarding the timing chain replacement job on a M119 would greatly be appreciated.

The scope of the timing chain replacement I anticipating will consist of just the
Timing Chain
Chain Tensioner
Upper Guide Rails
** No lower guild rails or rail pins** I know this is beyound my skill level

I have the Alldadydiy procedure which outlines the steps involved in the chain R/R for the M119.

Since I will be performing the job solo, without any help, I want to make sure I have the proper tools to minimize the task.

As I was searching for tools for the job I noticed the following tools and was wondering if anyone has had good experience or are there other alternative.

double chain crimping tools
camshaft chain guide tool (Which one for M119 V8)

I currently have the cam shaft locking pins to lock cylinder 1 at TDC when removing the chain tensinoer.

Depending on your comments, if I decide to tackle the job myself, I'll take pictures and share my experience with others on the fourm.

Thanks!

I don't think the chain guide you pictured will work on the 119. The 119 has twin cams at each head and will require a guide that spans both sprockets and I don't think the zip tie trick will work in this application either. While I'm normally pretty ballsy with repairs the M119 is one t-chain job I would personally farm out...too much at stake trying to keep 4 cams timed while rolling in the new chain.

Mike it is my understanding the "flat" chain guide (not the curved) is designed for the M119 engine. Since I've never used either one of the chain guides pictured above - I was curious if anyone else had used these or similar tools.

I have read on the forum about various methods for securing the pins in the chain without the need for a chain crimping tool - ball peen hammer and such.

It didn't even register that the third picture might be a chain guide, I was referencing the second. On the one M119 I assisted with the shop had a home built guide that covered both sprockets, but since they were still trying to work out a few kinks with their design the roll in was very slow and connecting the chain ends was very dicey. Decided there needed to be a window between the sprockets to facilitate installation of the master link (or was the window in the area of the lower sprocket....can't recall).

Has anyone used the "camshaft chain guide tool," the ones pictured above? (The square ones)