RE: [alfa] Spider timing chain link found (gulp) on drain plug

["Jeff Greenfield" <alfaguy@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm guessing what you are looking at is a master link to the upper chain.

Probably got dropped in there at some point in the cars life. If it has been
running fine this long, chances are everything is fine so I wouldn't be too
concerned.

If you want to have a looksee to be cure, after all the obvious stuff is
removed from the top of the engine, remove the six cam cover bolts (in the
top of the cover), the two 6mm bolts in the front. Follow the harness from
the VVT back to the connector, and remove the plug. The valve cover should
lift off without too much difficulty, and come off with the VVT (no need to
disturb it).

The valve cover gasket should be glued to the valve cover and should remain
stuck, if so you can re-use it. You may want to have one on hand just to be
safe in case it gets damaged in the process.

HTH,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of
Mcmahonmik@domain.elided
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2004 11:47 AM
To: alfa@domain.elided
Subject: [alfa] Spider timing chain link found (gulp) on drain plug

So this Spider owner goes in to a random shop for an overdue oil change.
(3,400 miles, but 1.5 years)

Background:  It's the second oil change since I had a valve job done by a
former factory tech with a "hit 'n hit 'n miss reputation".

As per the Subject line my magnetic drain plug is holding a slightly worn
(in
only the appropriate places) single link to the timing chain.

I am an "outside the engine, no talent, but lots of interest" wrench.

Should I have a new valve cover gasket ready before I break into my engine
for the first time?
The factory manual treats HEAD replacement, but assumes (wrongly) you have
SOME experience in removing valve covers.

My plan is to back the car half-way out the garage, remove valve cover (may
be tricky at the VVT solenoid?), inspect chain, put car in 5th, push forward
"a
bit", repeat check, until I have seen the whole chain, or bump the front of
the car.

My ASSUMPTION is that the tech dropped a link, and said "Damn, better get
another beer.  That's too big to get in the oil pickup.  Fuggetaboutit."

Still, I know I need to check.

Advice?  Comments?
-mike mcmahon
stafford, TX
86 spider
94 164 (in shop for 2 months awaiting parts)
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