Why do new timing chains SUCK ? I checked my old timing chain slack at the timing cover using the rotor method and determined it had about 9 degrees of slack which is supposed to equal to about 1/2" at the chain. I pulled the timing cover and sure enough its about 1/2". Time for a new timing set. I start doing quite a bit of research reading reviews and ads and forum opinions weighing the pros and cons which only makes my decision a thousand times more difficult. You start comparing brand this,billet that, double roller blah blah,that one sucks,no you suck. After a couple of hours of this crap I'm totally wore out and more confused than before I started. I finally decided to just tap out. Got up the next morning and made my mind up in 10 minutes. Ordered $45 Cloyes double roller from Rock Auto. Comes in, I put it on and I'll be go to hell. This new SOB is just as loose as the one took off. Pretty sure bottom end has never been apart. Should of just got it at Oreillys

 

Little cabin fever got ya?

New chains have slack too. It's how they're made. My new double roller had as much slack as the stocker did at 200k. Only difference I noticed was quieter when shutting off engine. Slap on the Cloyes and get -r- done.

 

They recommended adding a chain tensioner to keep it tight.

 

Ramman ;Little cabin fever got ya?
LoL. Yeah, all these voices in my head need to practice social distancing......WHAT??....I didn't say anything.....I'm hungry........SHUT UP....
LoL. I dunno those things look like a pipe bomb to me.,,,,"911, What is your emergency?"

 

Who recommends a tensioner? Nobody here has ever said that. If the stock chain doesn't have it, then don't add it. The Cloyes is a good chain. I've had mine now for over 60k and it's still quiet. Don't worry about the slack. It's just par for the course.

HAPPY EASTER!

 

Highly recommended not only on this site but countless others.

 

Here is the chain tensioner that mopar mentioned.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...SABEgKPM_D_BwE

 

I'm sure they help keep the timing consistent but they just look too flimsy to me . Besides that I'm pretty sure i seen one on Forensic Files taped to a pipe bomb.

 

Maybe by you but no one has ever mandated it and it's hardly been discussed. I've been here a very long time and have read or experienced everything these trucks entail. If the stock chain doesn't come with a tensioner, then I'm not adding one. And the OP shouldn't either. The end.

 

Lmao dude literally every thread asking about a timing chain they recommend clothes double roller and the clothes tensioner. No it's not mandated because it didn't come stock but keep the chain tight.