Another dead chain
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Ohio
Most owners don't maintain like that, and it shows to an extremely high degree. Makes buying used hell since you almost need to assume chains are out of spec and need replaced if you want scan and see like I can.
One of the reasons I was freaking out so badly when I was buying the W12 was because I just said "ship it here" and never inspected it.
Lexus Champion
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From: California
Irony is that's the thing that lets it live longer lol! The harder driving once warm allows the oil to clean out contaminants and prevent fuel saturation and that is what really effects more modern engines.
Most owners don't maintain like that, and it shows to an extremely high degree. Makes buying used hell since you almost need to assume chains are out of spec and need replaced if you want scan and see like I can.
One of the reasons I was freaking out so badly when I was buying the W12 was because I just said "ship it here" and never inspected it.
Most owners don't maintain like that, and it shows to an extremely high degree. Makes buying used hell since you almost need to assume chains are out of spec and need replaced if you want scan and see like I can.
One of the reasons I was freaking out so badly when I was buying the W12 was because I just said "ship it here" and never inspected it.
. As I said I maintain them obsessively. I always wait for the engine to warm up before driving them hard. I give them an Italian tune-up every now and then, and I use the best synthetic oils. Always change the air filter and cabin filters. The only thing is my wife likes to scratch the paint on her cars, but at least the engine and transmission is well maintained
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Maryland
if oil changes are bad, since they have increased wear each link, the tolerances increase, but added over every link the chain increases in length. Only real way to properly maintain a timing chain
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Ohio
Go ask a dealer service department how many cars around 5 years old have issues, most cars I scan have adaptation values outside the ideal range....
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Maryland
I can’t recall seeing any posts in the forums here about chain issues on models with chains or in the MB forum etc either.
Pole Position
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Speaking of books regarding mechanical things and people, check out "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." The author, a college professor, literally drives himself nuts attempting to define "quality."
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: FL
Think they need to stop with the chain madness if it requires dropping the engine or a crazy amount of work to replace it.
I can replace the T-Belt on my RX330 in about an hour but the 2GR engine requires putting it on the lift and dropping the engine cradle and removing the engine to pull the chain and guides- absolutely ridiculous.
Should be a crime to design an engine bay like that.
For Goodness Sakes!
If the engine bay is tight, make it a T-Belt. IMO... IMO...
I can replace the T-Belt on my RX330 in about an hour but the 2GR engine requires putting it on the lift and dropping the engine cradle and removing the engine to pull the chain and guides- absolutely ridiculous.
Should be a crime to design an engine bay like that.
For Goodness Sakes!
If the engine bay is tight, make it a T-Belt. IMO... IMO...
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,923
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From: Maryland
Think they need to stop with the chain madness if it requires dropping the engine or a crazy amount of work to replace it.
I can replace the T-Belt on my RX330 in about an hour but the 2GR engine requires putting it on the lift and dropping the engine cradle and removing the engine to pull the chain and guides- absolutely ridiculous.
Should be a crime to design an engine bay like that.
For Goodness Sakes!
If the engine bay is tight, make it a T-Belt. IMO... IMO...
I can replace the T-Belt on my RX330 in about an hour but the 2GR engine requires putting it on the lift and dropping the engine cradle and removing the engine to pull the chain and guides- absolutely ridiculous.
Should be a crime to design an engine bay like that.
For Goodness Sakes!
If the engine bay is tight, make it a T-Belt. IMO... IMO...
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Ohio
Also as mentioned above if the chain was easier to get to it's fine but not if it requires engine out. I actually have yet another chain today on a ford 3.8 in an F150 but since it points the right way it's far easier.
Lexus Fanatic
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Posts: 68,923
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From: Maryland
That’s just not what mechanics I know tell me, nor is it what I see reading and positing on multiple forums.
Perhaps there is commonly some slack in older chains and things like that, but that doesn’t mean the chain has to be replaced it’s just normal wear as the car ages.
Where are all the posts of chain failures in old LS460s? Or on the Mercedes forums? There aren’t any.
If you maintain your car properly and change the oil and use good oil, you likely will never have a chain issue.
Perhaps there is commonly some slack in older chains and things like that, but that doesn’t mean the chain has to be replaced it’s just normal wear as the car ages.
Where are all the posts of chain failures in old LS460s? Or on the Mercedes forums? There aren’t any.
If you maintain your car properly and change the oil and use good oil, you likely will never have a chain issue.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,514
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From: ON/NY
I agree. I would bet a lot of the chain issues are those of user abuse. Also manufacturer design and engineering…some are gonna be inherently better designed from one manufacturer to another.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Apr 30, 2023 at 10:28 AM.