How can you change the Timing Chain without the Spec Tools

[Samson]

I'm thinking of buying an 88 turbo convertible that needs the timing chain installed. It's a very clean car(98k miles) and it's all together, it just needs the timing chain.
So I was thinking of buying a roll in chain, cause I'd rather not pull the engine, but the special Saab tools for the job cost over $800. My question is how do you do this job with out those tools? Or mabye a better question would be, how do you do this job?
Thanks a ton
Samson

[spgeed]

Curious that it needs a chain at 98k. Does it rattle alot, or is it broken?

[Samson]

It overheated. The guy resurfaced and replaced the head and felt the chain had stretched from overheating and left it. I'm not sure if the original chain is still on or what. I'm hoping that since it is so low milage, the sprokets, guides, and tensioners are still OK. But if I bought it I certainly would be looking at changing the chain.

[spgeed]

Is it running? You might want to do a compression check. I'd be a little wary of an engine that had been through that kind of an episode.
Do a search for 'timing chain replacement' if your interested in DYI.

[Samson]

I did a search, and foundsome good info. No one makes reference to the special Saab tools. So I'm guessing they are not needed.
Their are a bunch of references
Townsend Timing Chain Replacement
Apperently a great write-up on how to do the job. But the link is always down.
Does anyone have the pages saved, and if so can they post them or send them to me.
Samson

[NZsaab900]

In regards to the tools - not needed, at least in my experience. I bought a quality bicycle chain splitter/maker and used that to split it. Have to say though it did require a fair bit of modification to extract the pins as most bicycle chains aren't as wide as a saab timing chain. Its a fiddly job rather than hard one.

The bentley manual gives a fairly good description of how to replace the chain. Your chain tensioner should give you a good indication of wear, anything over 11mm and your supposed to replace it.
Ensure you put some wire through both sides of the link you are splitting to stop it from falling down into the engine. I found getting the new link back together quite hard as you want to be sure that the split link has the same flex as the rest of the links (i.e the pins are pushed through correctly).

Perfectionists will say to get the new chain lined up (it has nice yellow links) to show when you are at TDC. This is an added hassle I didn't worry about and only ended up a few links out anyway.

[SteveTheFolkie]

Originally Posted by NZsaab900

In regards to the tools - not needed, at least in my experience. I bought a quality bicycle chain splitter/maker and used that to split it. Have to say though it did require a fair bit of modification to extract the pins as most bicycle chains aren't as wide as a saab timing chain. Its a fiddly job rather than hard one.

get a cheap chain cutter at a motorcycle or industrial supply rather than a bicycle tool - they'll accomodate the timing chain a lot better -

[RoccoH]

Originally Posted by Samson

I did a search, and foundsome good info. No one makes reference to the special Saab tools. So I'm guessing they are not needed.
Their are a bunch of references
Townsend Timing Chain Replacement
Apperently a great write-up on how to do the job. But the link is always down.
Does anyone have the pages saved, and if so can they post them or send them to me.
Samson

link: http://townsendimports.com/Web/engin...archainpg1.htm

the link you have is outdated... There are 11 pages.

And how 'bout just checking/replacing the tensioner?