'93 KA24DE - Do I really need a new timing chain?

[VanNelson]

I know it's not considered a wear item, of course. But I just finshed dropping a new head in, and I suppose if I need to, throw a new one in while it's still... er... 'unconcious'.

Or could I just wait until I hear the chain rattle - the sign that the guides are worn through.

Also, if the timing chain goes out, isn't there the chance that the valves get slammed?

I suppose it's a quick job of just taking the fans off, valve cover, cam sprocket cover, and dropping the oil pan *just* enough to get the lower cover off...?

In the FAQ, he calculated the following for a SOHC, which shouldn't be too different from the DOHC. It's pretty cheap, compared against the several hundreds shops charge you...

(1) Qnty: 1 Part#: 13028-8B000 ---->Total Price: 30.60Description: chain(2) Qnty: 1 Part#: 13070-40f06 ---->Total Price: 17.26Description: tensioner(3) Qnty: 1 Part#: 13085-40F10 ---->Total Price: 7.13Description: slackl side guide(4) Qnty: 1 Part#: 13075-40F10 ---->Total Price: 1.46eaDescription: bolt for s guide(5) Qnty: 1 Part#: 13091-40F15 ---->Total Price: 7.26Description: tension side guide(6) Qnty: 1 Part#: 13510-53F10 ---->Total Price: 4.82Description: frt crank seal(7) Qnty: 1 Part#: 15066-5E500 ---->Total Price: 3.34Description: frt cover seal+ Shipping & Handling:-----------------------------------=======>TOTAL: $71.87 USD

[maxhopper]

Your reasoning is sound. Spend the extra $ now while you have easy access to everything.