Re: nylon timing belts -- stretch or snap?

[Matthew Killick <m.killick@domain.elided>]

Paul says:

>A motorcycle chain, e.g., will stretch with age and mileage, and can 
>eventually break off, too.

Chains generally *do not* stretch.  They wear, little by little at every
working surface.  The resultant increase in length leads to sprocket wear,
and ultimately failure.  For exposed motorcycle final drive chains, water
and grit significantly accelerate the wearing process to the point where
they need to be replaced regularly as standard service items.  Where chains
are fully enclosed and properly lubricated, they can outlive the engine.
Anyone here ever had to replace a lower timing chain for other than
precautionary reasons? 

Cheers
Mat

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