MASTERLINK CHAINS

Masterlink chains (commonly called roll in chains) were originally designed because of a noisy batch of timing chains caused by a flawed manufacturing process. Once the chains were available for Saab many owners began to use them at the first sign of timing chain noise. This is good and bad. Timing chain noise in most cases DOES NOT come from a stretched chain but from issues other than the chain. Masterlink chains should only be done on engines that do not have an inherent Balance chain or timing gear wear problem. Using this chain on high mileage engines is also fine but we highly recommend removing the timing cover and inspecting the Timing and Balance gears if you really want to do the job right.

STEP 1

Remove the valve cover

STEP 2

Set the engine to Top dead center

STEP 3

Cut and remove a link on the faulty chain and tie the Masterlink chain to the existing chain

STEP 4

Roll the new chain in place effectively removing the faulty chain and replacing it with a new one

STEP 5

Install the Masterlink to link the two ends of the new chain and peen the two ends of the masterlink much in same way you would do a bike chain. There is a bicycle tool that can be used but you really only need to peen the two ends of the chain to sure that it does not come apart.