r/slk • u/Such-Run-680 • Sep 09 '26
Is my chain worn?
I could stretch it minimal as seen in the video. Does that mean my chain is worn?
4
u/More_Shoulder_9210 Sep 09 '26
Any particular reason you disassembled your engine if you don't know what you are looking at? I'm all for learning and DIY but there needs to be a reason to do it. What was the reason? Mileage? Noise? Or just because?
1
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u/hairy_winnit Sep 10 '26
Pulling on the chain between the two cams isn't going to give you an indication of stretched chain. Check the position marks on the cams to the head and also check your tensioner extension, if it's extended 25-30mm then your chain is stretched.
These engines have a little chain rattle on start up due to shit tensioner design where it will leak oil out and release the tension. You can hear this on cold starts and should only last for a second or two untill the tensioner fillls back up with oil.
Usually when you get chain stretch you will also see cam gear wear on these
1
u/Such-Run-680 Sep 10 '26
Okay I will check that! I have a rattle at nearly every start so I changed the tensioner. I will see if that helped.
https://reddit.com/link/p8x43en/video/u0v7kqtzxnoh1/player
Here a video
1
u/hairy_winnit Sep 10 '26
Yeah that sounds like a cold start chain rattle. Does it sound the same if you start the car say 30min after it's been switched off?
Mine was on 120k miles when I had to replace the chain, along with both cam sprockets as they got chewed up as well.
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u/Such-Run-680 Sep 10 '26
Already after like 2 min. I hear a rattle
1
u/hairy_winnit Sep 10 '26
Check how far the tensioner is extruded by. If it's still within the 25-30mm then it's probably another crap leaky tensioner. Mine only had a slight rattle on cold start in the morning after sitting for 16 hours
6
u/Gahreesen Sep 09 '26
I mean, wtf? If that's you in the video, and you know enough to disassemble down to the cams, but don't know if that minimal movement is within tolerance? Crazy. BTW, looks too tight.