Timing chain

[flylux]

I've recently bought an '02 2.8 td triton, and I don't if the timing chain has been replaced on it. Are there any telltale signs of the chain having been done?
It's got 109 000km and has no service history or stickers in the engine bay to say it's been done.

[-Scott-]

As far as I know, the timing chain isn't replaced on a routine basis. They stretch, but I'm not aware of breakage being a problem.

I've replaced timing chains by opening them both up, connecting the new chain to the old, and winding it in. After you've done the first one, the whole process takes well under an hour.

[flylux]

Ok.
I'm no mechanic, but I thought the idea with timing chains was to replace them before they stretch too much, causing other parts to wear, or wear prematurely. I just thought it was standard practice to replace it evey 100 000km.
I could be wrong though.....

[-Scott-]

Timing belts are replaced every 100k km, but I've not heard of it being done with timing chains. I replace them when I'm sick of the noise.

[flylux]

ahh, I see. I spose a belt is going to stretch quicker than a chain, so I guess chains are replaced less frequently.
Cheers scott