Cam chain query

I've got an '81 xj550 with 42,000 miles on the clock, and the camchain is causing sleepless nights. Question is - how safe is it to replace the old one with one joined with a split link? I just don't like the idea of it, but really dont like the idea of splitting the cases. Has anyone done this? Just the thought of the link separating brings on a cold sweat. Thanks.

 

You replace it with one that uses a riveted link and "rivet" it in place. It's the recommended fix.

Why are you worried about the camchain itself? How confident are you of the tensioner? On the 550 it has quite a few parts to it, plus there are chain guides that could be a contributor.

 

Thanks mate. I'm worried about the camchain because I worry about the entire engine. I (very recently) bought it as a wreck to just blat about on but in the process of rebuilding it became very fond of it. And very aware that it had been very neglected indeed. The old engine oil had to be seen to be believed. Replacing the cam chain ( and guides) would just be for peace of mind. Years ago, as a kid, I had a cam chain fail on me, locking up the engine, so I've been a bit (a lot) paranoid about them ever since. What technique do you use to peen over the "soft" rivet ? I mean it's a fairly violent process and there's a lot of fragile stuff in that area. The tensioner will come out today for inspection. Thanks again.