Well, I don't remember off hand what the chain stretch limit is, but when I checked mine (roughly) it was about 4.5 degrees off (crank was advanced). Figured that that was a bit too much to ignore, and poof; now I don't have to worry! Surprisingly, rolling on a new chain was the easiest thing I have yet done to my engine that I'd consider "serious". But I have to thank my dealership pals again, whose access to the correct tools really made the job easier.

Engine runs really/really smooth now, even at its 550 rpm low idle (purged/cleaned injectors with lubo-moly...too); though I have heard that the NA diesels have a thing for smooth idling vs. the average turbo diesel. I gueess that's because there is less control mechanisms to fail/ go out of tune. Really, wasn't that bad before, but I'm a striving perfectionist. I have heard that some member's of this forum are working to balance champaign glasses on their diesel's valve cover while it's running, not sure I'm there yet, but give me another year. I'll take a video and post it here when I do; and I will!

I'm sure that this chain was the orriginal, considering the stretch, but as for the other work, I hate those little drips and drops you find on your driveway, so there was no question there. Anyway, Delvac 1 is too expensive to leak out, even if it's 1qt/6mo(3500mi).

Now my engines ready for another 250k mi (I hope)!

ATLD
Adam