What is the scheduled maintenance on a 400i? Is there a recommended timing chain replacement interval? DMG Miami, FL
According to the the 400i Workshop Manual, the tension of the timing chain should be controlled every 5,000km and if need be restored with the tensioner. After 50,000km, or when the push rod is not long enough for correct tensioning, the chain should be replaced. On a practical note I had the engine overhauled on my 365 GT4 2+2 at around 90,000km and the opportunity of having the engine out was used to replace the timing chain. We realised that several timing pinions had teeth worn-out (some broken as well). All pinions were replaced with new ones.
If you got Erwin's blog, he has copies of manuals with recommended maint schedules. https://erwin400.blogspot.com/
Follow the factory suggestion of 50,000 KM. I did not and went to 52,000 miles and found the chain had worn a grove in the timing chest, the valve guides were really shot, and much more. Yeah pull the heads and do the chain and guides water pump, etc. on a 400 if you want to drive one that runs right and is not eating itself up.
Just pulled the engine on mine at 96,000 KM to do the timing chain and water pump and anything else we can find. I will post some photos soon.
