Timing Chain Question

[mike65]

Hi

Looking at the Haynes manual it states chains are single or double depending on the engine yet thier pix and photos suggest that single or double chains are used on both 4 and 6 cyl petrol engines not to mention the diesel. Was a change made to double after a certain year? For my own engine the chain is a double (2.0l petrol). Is there any difference regarding when to change the chain?

Mike.

 

[Spike]

I *think* they started using duplex chains around 1991 or so. You can usually see the chain (just) by undoing the oil filler cap. The difference between the two varients is obvious so it'lll only take a minute to double check.

The Duplex chain is far more robust and is allegedly 'good for the life of the engine'. I'm not sure I agree as mine is a little noisy having now done about 120K miles.

 

[sunil sood]

i have to agree with spike,mine is a 1993,1.8litre engine-it has a duplex chain.

spike, how do you tell if the chain is noisy?

i do get a slight,temporary, knocking on start-up.

also a nopisy tappet which settles once the engine is warmed up.

 

[mike65]

Thanks for the replies chaps, mines a 1990 model. I checked again just to be sure and its deffo a double link chain. Mind you its done 170,000 Must have a good listen to it tomorrow!

Mike.

 

[andy_k]

I think it was 1988 when the switch to duplex chains was made.

Ours is an '89 and has duplex

Andy

 

[gasara]

mine is an 88 and has a single chain so I guess sometime between 88 - 89 was the change