Saw a car come back 6 months after a timing chain job and it ran like a dream

I did a timing chain on a 2012 Honda Accord back in March and the guy just rolled in for an oil change. No rattle, no codes, and he said it starts better than when he bought it. Makes me wonder how often do you guys see your own work hold up long term?

2 comments

2 Comments

matthew_baker3d ago

Had a buddy who did a timing chain on his own 2008 Subaru Outback a couple years back. He torqued everything by feel and just hoped for the best. That car is still running strong today with over 200k miles on it and no issues. Makes you appreciate when something goes right for a change.

foster.ruby2d ago

That "torqued by feel" line gave me flashbacks to my first timing job on a 2.5L. I'll be real, the spec on those head bolts is 22 ft-lbs then 90 degrees, and doing that by feel is playing with fire (ask me how I know). What saved your buddy is probably the fact that Subaru timing chains are pretty forgiving on the guides and tensioner as long as you don't mess up the oil pump or crank bolt torque. A click-type torque wrench from Harbor Freight is like 30 bucks and honestly pays for itself the first time you avoid a blown head gasket or stripped bolt.