Hi I am thinking on changing timing chain on my sons Mk1 1.2htp. Its done 78k and want to be on the safer side. No rattle as far as I can tell. Looking for recommendations on make of aftermarket timing chain kits. I normally use Gates belts but not sure re chain etc. Plus I believe there is a chain driven oil pump and wonder if I should change that while I am at it.

Alasdair

Gates or INA would be my recommendations. Used the latter on my old Vectra B and it's somehow still going...

More likely to cause problems while changing it than prevent problems that may be a long way into the future.

If it ain't broke...

Have been reading up on it and discovered its far from a simple job. Didnt realize sump had to come off as well. Cant hear any noticeable rattle as far as i know(find it difficult to tell) and car gets regular oil changes and runs great so maybe leave it till I notice something obvious. Not sure on the change interval and we got car at 60k with no service history. Been very reliable apart from usual wheel bearings and exhaust flexi etc. Not sure if you can check if chain is stretched on this engine with vcds? Thanks for the advice re brands.

Alasdair

2 hours ago, Alasdair1 said:

Have been reading up on it and discovered its far from a simple job. Didnt realize sump had to come off as well. Cant hear any noticeable rattle as far as i know(find it difficult to tell) and car gets regular oil changes and runs great so maybe leave it till I notice something obvious. Not sure on the change interval and we got car at 60k with no service history. Been very reliable apart from usual wheel bearings and exhaust flexi etc. Not sure if you can check if chain is stretched on this engine with vcds? Thanks for the advice re brands.

Alasdair

I bought mine on 52k and got it to 120k (and those were hard miles for it) before the chain went, although it had been rattling beforehand and some idiot (me) ignored it...

Edit - Changed oil on it between 8-10k miles normally.

Edited 30 minutes ago30 min by AnnoyingPentium

Its my sons car and I change oil annually. He does about 5 to 6 k a year but tend to give it an annual service just before MOT. I drive it randomly and cant say I have noticed any major rattles or noises. Was just a bit paranoid but reckon will leave it and keep an ear out.

Alasdair