M30 Timing Chain Tool?

[porschelou]

Hello,
My race team is attempting to do the e30/m30 conversion in 8 weeks. I have 3 e28 535is cars that are donating to this project. I'm in the middle of the the b34 engine rebuild. I looked at the new timing chain and see that the master link needs to be crimped together. I think BMW sells a tool of this. Is there an alternative method of joining the timing chain?

The motor has 240k on it and all of the sprokets were very sharp. All timing parts are getting changed.

The e30 will be put through an endurance race in May - 18hrs so we hope the M30 will hold together. Should be fun.
Thanks

[thirdirev]

When I did mine I just used a washer and a pliers. Worked pretty good.

[porschelou]

Thanks for the info. So, the washer/pliers method had enough force to deform the two pins on the master link? I have to make sure the link won't come loose - the motor will be used in extreme use.

[thirdirev]

It looked pretty solid, a bit of a bitch at first to get through. I used a fairly large pliers.

[alpinacsi]

The only time I used the chain with a master link was when I replaced the chain by only removing the valve cover. These motors are old enough now that more needs to be replaced than just the chain so the master link is not necessary. Yuo can also get the master link with a lock clip that does not require crimping.

Since you are replacing guides and gears; I would suggest using a chain without a master link that you have to install.

[Zacm829]

Not sure if this would work with for your application, but these work great
on motorcycle master links.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/park-tool-mlp1c-master-link-pliers-prod15061/

[porschelou]

Thanks for the info. This chain looks just like the original including the master that requires the two pins to be deformed to hold lock it together. I read the Bentley manual last night so it looks like I can make a jig for my press and deform the pins and then install the chain. I wish the chain had the motorcycle type locking clip.