Hi all,

just a quick one. I just got a 1997 x300 with 77,000 miles. When if at all should I be concerned about the timing chain?

Thanks

 

Others will chime in but my impression is that the chains virtually never fail.

Some have reported chain noise over 100k miles and I think this is usually solved by replacing the hydraulic damper piston...which can be done from the outside of the engine.

I don't think there's much too worry about.

Cheers
DD

 

I'll try and post some pis of the slippers from an AJ16 with 220'000 Kms on it. It went quite a while before the wear got excessive. I believe, with the exception of the tensioner(s) and the slippers, the chain(s) will probably outlast the car! If it isn't noisy, don't worry. Just remove the valve cover and peer down into the chain galley. With a light and a dentist mirror, you will see the upper slippers fairly easily. Just dont drop anything in there! (Attach a string or something to whatever you hang down in there just in case) I found the top right side slipper wore the most. It rides on the upper tensioner, and appears to take the most abuse. When the wear grooves get more than an 1/8 inch deep, it will be time to get to work. Regular oil changes will affect wear significantly, so keep up the changing intervals. If you haven't yet, consider using full synthetic as it makes a world of difference to chain gear wear.

Cheers!

 

I'm a bit of a novice with mechanics but i've a good friend who will show me the way.

I've read a bit about what oils to use but the general concensus seems for over 100k miles 20/50. What should I use for my mileage?

 

I agree with all the above, don't worry about the timing chains. The car will present you with plenty of other little projects. Worry about those.

 

Seems like if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I like that approach.

 

I'll just toot the horn again in favour of synthetic oil. If you can lay your hands on Mobil 15/50 it is well worth the cost IMHO. Regular oil analysis on the fleet I was responsible for maintaining (45 trucks of all sizes) showed a significant decrease in metal contamination indicating a substantial reduction in wear on the engines running synthetic. Other heavy equipment and even small engine stuff had similar results. It flows well as low as -40 C, and even improves emissions. Extreme temp performance is unsurpassed, and cold start adhesion is excellent. I have found the AJ16 really likes being clean internally, and Mobil will remove all the crud from conventional oil pretty fast. Like I said before, the timing gear will love you for it! The only knock is that if there is anything leaking, it will get much worse! It cleans the goo that stops some leaks from showing up, but that is a good thing in the long haul. I am told some of the other brands hold up quite well, but would avoid the budget stuff.

Cheers!

 

Mobil 1 5W-40 (TDT) and 0W-40 are also good. I have been running Mobil 1 5W-40 oil in a number of cars and the engines are totally clean (or after a few changes end up being clean). The 5W-40 is mainly marketed at diesel trucks, but is a dual rated gasoline/diesel oil - probably the best Mobil 1 oil and one of the best overall synthetic oils. Shell Rotella T Synthetic/T6 (also dual gasoline/diesel rated) 5W-40 is also great.
Both the Mobil 1 5W-40 and the Shell Rotella Syn 5W-40 cost about $20 to $25 per gallon at Autozone, Fred Meyer, W*l-m*rt, O'Reilly's

 

Worked as a Jag mechanich for 3 years a while ago never changed any chains on either AJ6 or AJ16 eninges

 

i heard anything above 20 50w is bad for these engines