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Timing Chain???

Big T

Big T

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I have 158K miles on my truck and will be doing the Heath Cooling Upgrade. Should I be changing the timing chain while i'm in there? If so, what brand should I use?

Thanks,

Steve
 
Thanks for the reply. Now it seems to be getting more complicated than I care to deal with.
 
I would replace the timing chain if there is any more than 1/4" slop. Replace with cloyes chain and sprockets. No slop whatsoever.
 
I just did a timing chain on my 90k engine and looked at the chain on my 207k engine. The 90 did have more slop in it then i would have ever thought already, so i just replaced it with the chain, no need to get the gears, they dont wear or stretch like the chain, 40 for the chain at napa. Now the 207k mile engine had some insane slop in it!!! Def, would replace it around 200k if it hasnt been done before. On the gearset instead of chain, im not to keen on how vibrations will be sent right through the gears to the cam and i/p. I would think it would cause more wear, maybe im wrong.... The chain would "soak" up alot of the vibrations.... So in other words if your in there, do it...., my opinion...
 
I was not aware that I'd have to reset the timing if I replaced the chain. How difficult is it to reset the timing? Do I need a computer? Or is it a dealer thing?

At this point the cooling upgrade kit has been ordered from Heath. Spent some time on the phone with Bill. Very knowledgeable and simply a great guy. He confirmed that I'm approach this right in steps and admonished that I replace the injectors once there's budget for it. I went through the results of my blow by test and he confirmed that if I just have a steady stream of smoke (as opposed to puffs like an old train) from the oil filler, that's just reflective of an engine with 160K on it. The tube on the oil dipstick placed in a bucket of water drew the water up several inches, but that tests the CDR function and I just replaced that.

I guess I'll know the timing chain status when I'm in there. If I need to change it, I'll be back here for timing advice for sure.

Steve
 
Why would you have to reset the timing?? If you keep everything exactly where it is and just install the new chain and sprockets on there it should be timed and ready to go. There are markings on each of the shafts to denote where you ar, you must line them up and down to be each in time. I used a straight edge to line everything up and took tons of pictures.. It would be a good time to "check" timing, but there is noo need to "have" to do it.
 
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Another question while waiting for the cooling upgrade kit: Should I replace the harmonic balancer?
 
DieselSlug said:
Would be a very wise choice to.... Is the rubber cracked on yours? Engines can be ruined when one fails...
Click to expand...

I haven't tore into this project, so I have not had a good look at the HB other than seeing how it spins with the engine running, which is fine. However, at 158K miles, a whole lot of things are due for replacement and once you're into it, might as well do it.

Any advice on what brand HB to get and where to buy it? At rockauto they show HBs from ATP and Dorman in the $60+ range. They also show an ATP repair sleeve for $6.56. Heath wants $116 for an HB. Who made the OEM part? I'm lost on where to go on this one. For the record, I did buy the cooling upgrade kit from Heath, so I did support a vendor on this site.

Steve
 
Brooklyn Tow said:
Heath also sells Dorman......Lots of mixed reviews on Dorman Products......Luck of the draw?
Click to expand...

Seems to be for everything in this worldwide economic cheapness lately. That is why I absolutely refuse to replace anything anymore until they fail. With the exception of the harmonic Balance, which I will be FluidDamping next year.
 
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