DO WE HAVE A DEFINITIVE ANSWER FOLKS??.... "GERMAN" OR "NORMAL" CHAINS ETC PLEASE

[BartonStag]

Hi all,
I realise it's a bit of an old chestnut so apologies in advance .... but! Ready to start re-assembly shortly of suitably m/c'd block and heads and am obviously looking to avoid any future potential disasters. Just concerned with the apparent number of lower quality replacement parts, as such do I pay the extra for the German chains or not? Will be replacing all the tensioners, sprockets, etc etc so is the quality of kits all the same from the standard suppliers or can anyone recommend using an alternative stockist? Am more than happy to pay for quality but would appreciate any thoughts/guidance before I splash out on replacement items.
Many thanks
Gord

[mole42]

It depends. There are chains made in Germany that are good, and then there are JWIS chains made in Germany which are excellent - Mercedes fit them and don't see any need to change them. Ever.

In my case, I used JWIS chains and I'm glad I did because I also fitted new crankshaft sprockets, one of which was made of cheese. The chains saved my engine from disaster and are still running today on the new sprocket.

[trunt]

+1 for genuine IWIS chains. They are available from other vendors as well. If I recall mine were listed for a Jaguar Stype and BMW.

https://www.socforum.com/forum/forum/stag-owners-club/soc-forum/34568-decision-time-timing-chain-parts#post549027

[marshman]

As Richard says beware, there are chains some suppliers label as "German" chains and then there are one specifically described as "JWIS" or "IWIS". So if you want to go for quality "German" chains then make sure they are JWIS/IWIS - same thing, They should have JWIS stamped on the links similar to the picture.

[DJT]

Another fan of JWIS/IWIS chains here. Fitted them, along with guides and tensioners from LD Parts, on 13/10/2014. After over 27,000 miles, inspection with an endoscope camera revealed that the tensioners have hardly moved and the guides are still fine. As are all the sprockets, which weren't changed as they were in excellent condition. I used VR1 20W50 racing mineral oil for the first 4 years and Heritage oils Classic 20W50 since then, changed annually.

[BartonStag]

Guys,
Many thanks for the advice, links and photos - all very much appreciated, it seems that the JWIS/IWIS chains have a vote of confidence. DJT (Dave I believe?) I'm happy to get the parts from LD if they can supply them, but did you also get the chain from them as well? If not can you advise where it came from please.
Once again thanks to all who have responded .
All the best
Gord

[wilf]

I got all the bits necessary for my timing chain overhaul from LD parts.

Endoscope shows all is well 1500 miles later, which I know is nothing, but still reassuring.

[DJT]

Guys,
Many thanks for the advice, links and photos - all very much appreciated, it seems that the JWIS/IWIS chains have a vote of confidence. DJT (Dave I believe?) I'm happy to get the parts from LD if they can supply them, but did you also get the chain from them as well? If not can you advise where it came from please.
Once again thanks to all who have responded .
All the best
Gord

All parts, including chains, came from LD Parts.

[BartonStag]

All parts, including chains, came from LD Parts.

Thanks for the confirmation
Cheers
Gord

[Bakdraft007]

Not that I am an expert, but the timing chain (from either country) seems to be a very thin design and not very substantial. You can see it int he above photo. The wall links are thin... it very lightweight etc. Maybe that because its a cam chain, but the average bicyle chain is far more substantial.

Lucky for me I do not do a lot of miles... maybe 3K per year, so I should be OK for quite a way either way.

[DJT]

Not that I am an expert, but the timing chain (from either country) seems to be a very thin design and not very substantial. You can see it int he above photo. The wall links are thin... it very lightweight etc. Maybe that because its a cam chain, but the average bicyle chain is far more substantial.

Lucky for me I do not do a lot of miles... maybe 3K per year, so I should be OK for quite a way either way.

The same chains are specified for Mercedes and Jaguar, among others, and will do astronomical miles.

Here is a comparison between the chain on my bicycle and one of the timing chains I removed from my Stag engine in 2014. I think the timing chain is somewhat stronger.

F1D36965-76B3-452D-900D-3368D544C149.jpeg