When to replace timing chain?

[Anonymous]

I took the timing chain cover off and the chain seems loose to me. I looked in the shop manual but i don't know if i am following it correctly. It seems to say my chain is still good but i don't understand how you could possibly have a chain as bad as the manual says and still have the car run. I mean it seems to me it would fall off at that point thats why i don't think i am following this right.

 

[rbohm]

8) my approach has always been to replace the chain and gears anytime i have questions about them.

 

[250mav]

over time the chain is bound to strech out a little bit, it's usually not noticable to the naked eye but the strech makes it longer and can throw off your timing but usally not enough to make it not run entierly.

if you already have the cover off and the chain and gears exposed why not change it out anyway. make sure you get the chain and the gears as a set if you do. dont wrap a new chain around 40+ year old gears or vice versa