A mathematical model of time-varying thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) is developed using a sleeve chain as the object of study. The effects of thermal effect, load, speed, rest time and equivalent radius of curvature on its EHL are investigated using theoretical simulations. The results show that during intermittent motion, a portion of oil is entrapped in the contact zone at the end of the deceleration phase, after which this entrapped oil gradually moves out of the contact zone with the onset of speed, and a lower film of oil at the lubrication inlet passes through the center of the contact zone. In simple sliding intermittent motion, the temperature rise plays a crucial role in the variation of the oil film, particularly during the motion phases, and is an unavoidable factor. An increase in stop time reduces the film thickness and increases the following friction coefficient in the acceleration stage. An increase in the equivalent radius of curvature increases the film thickness and thermal rise in the contact zone as well as decreases the friction coefficient. Since the sleeve chain is one of the most commonly used mechanism in industry, high priority should be given to the lubrication design of this structure.