The Rave manual and ALLDATA, from what I have researched, do not have the tension specs for the timing chain (how tight it is supposed to be) Seeing how there is no spring loaded idler gear or hydraulic tension device I assume it should be somewhat taught. 160,000 and the chain is between 1/3 and 1/2 link loose. Is this normal? (i was gonna pull the pan to check rod bearings anyways

 

bump?

 

You are starting to get into that gray area when it is time to replace. If you wqanted to verify for sure, you could use a good top of the line scanner and get real time timing numbers and see if there is much movement.

 

Did mine at just over 100k on my 99 D2. It was about as loose as yours sounds. I was repairing the front cover oil leak and figured I would just replace the chain then so I already had the parts. If your in there, I would get the sprockets and chain. The parts really were not as expensive as I thought they would be (Dealer only.) Somewhere just under $100 for the sprockets and chain.

Seemed to idle and run smoother afterwards, too. Maybe I am just crazy.

Straight forward job, did mine with the instructions out of the RAVE.

Good luck,
David

 

Not sure of the specs, but mine was about the same @170K. I just replaced the set.

 

Thank you guys. I just ordered from atlantic british the timing chain rebuild kit and an oil pan gasket for 120 with shipping. No tax? That was weird. Very reasonable. Is that a genuine kit? http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/9009.cfm and http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/602087.cfm?

 

I am inclined to say no because they usually note genuine products. They sell quality products, though. No need to worry about that.

 

I'm in the same boat. Sprang a coolant leak at the timing chain cover and over-reacted. Lots of deflection in the chain, it seems pretty common of a thing for the chain to slop around. I ordered the kit and I think it ran $100 which is fairly reasonable.
Parts should be here today...I'm just wondering if the gears are press-fitted or they just slide off. =) We'll find out later.

 

mine just slid off with a little wiggling

 

bought a timing chain there before and so far i dont have any problems with it.. Very affordable and absolutely a great buy.