M60 Timing Chain Tension ?

[a777fan]

Need some help from others who have been down this road already. I was in the process of changing out my valve covers today, and was dismayed to find (what I think) is a fair amount of play in the timing chain. The side with the tensioner is taught, but in the valley between banks I can very easily move the chain back and forth...

Take a look, and I'd love to hear opinions on how normal or abnormal this is. Engine has 189k miles.

https://youtu.be/BZ4CpfFR5qs

https://youtu.be/1qL6rJyNzFA

[amoebamonster]

So, that does seem a little loose. Not catastrophic but not dismissible. At this point, I would be inclined to replace the hydraulic tensioner before doing a full timing chain service. M60s aren't as bad as M62s as far as timing chain issues go, but they do need service eventually. Doing a timing chain service seems like a big deal, but with the right tools and patience, its good thing to have done and take your mind off.

[a777fan]

So, that does seem a little loose. Not catastrophic but not dismissible. At this point, I would be inclined to replace the hydraulic tensioner before doing a full timing chain service. M60s aren't as bad as M62s as far as timing chain issues go, but they do need service eventually. Doing a timing chain service seems like a big deal, but with the right tools and patience, its good thing to have done and take your mind off.

Thanks much for the reply!

A new tensioner seems like a good idea (especially with the amount of sludge in the engine) but the tensioned side of the chain is completely taut. Not sure what a new one would do differently?

Is the only way to check timing on these guys via the timing blocks?

[fitchtank]

I'm currently dealing with the same. I'll let you know what I find if/ when I do + I'll keep tabs on your post. Fun, fun, fun!

[a777fan]

I'm currently dealing with the same. I'll let you know what I find if/ when I do + I'll keep tabs on your post. Fun, fun, fun!

Thanks!

I broke down and bought some timing blocks. I’ll also report back here what I find.

[TiagE39]

Semi-related question - what weight oil are you running? M60's seem to have some issues with lighter oils.

[fo3]

If the engine was sludged up usually the chain is stretched (ovaled chain links due to poor lubrication).

[TiagE39]

Makes sense, wouldn't have thought of that! Luckily mine isn't sludgy and last I was in there the chain seemed fine.

[fitchtank]

I run 10W-30- Castrol gtx. I'm at 250k on original engine. Denver's climate is moderate so I go with this. Oil change every 3,500 + I add a can of BG.
What do you run?
My engines still squakin (annoying)...I need to get dirty!
Your new blocks work out?

[a777fan]

My block is pretty sludgy inside. In fact I am taking this opportunity to clean off the top half of the cam journals and the oiling bars.

The passenger side bank tensioner also appears to be collapsed somewhat (you can see the loose secondary chain in the first video), and I’m guessing it might be sludged inside.

No idea what the POs ran in the car, but the majority of its life seems to have been spent on conventional oils run way past the proper change interval. :/

Timing blocks will be arriving Saturday.

[fitchtank]

Good luck tomorrow with your blocks. Where do you typically get parts? I use an *online group which happens to be based nearby. Great for picking items up quickly!
* Rmeuropean.com
I'm starting underneath with what I hope turns out to be misc trouble with the oil pump; tensioners, chain, bolts etc. Sweeet!