3rd Gen Major Maintenance

That's all fine and dandy, but that's not what people are posting to you about trying to correct you on. No one here has any interest in beating you up for being wrong, we're just trying to get the correct info out there so if someone searches for info and finds this thread, future posters have a better idea of what's going on.

 

You're right, no old V8's ever had over head cams.



Pretty much all domestic V8's have chain driven cam's. A lot of domestic inline 6 cylinders have gear driven cams.

 

To chain or not to chain. I love a good chain fest!

 

Replace a timing chain at 80-120K miles??? Belt, sure. Chain? It's not even mentioned once in the owners manual.

 

If we're talking strictly about the 3rd gen engine then I would agree. Maintenance guide doesn't recommend it. But that is not the case for all timing chains. I know we've all heard of or maybe experienced the LEGENDARY 22R(E and E-T Variants as well). Those mother truckers would destroy their own chain guide in less than 100K and you'd have coolant in the oil in no time if you let the chain slap the cover long enough. I got lucky and haven't experienced the chain wearing through the timing cover, but def found just about an entire chain guide in my oil pan on my 86 runner...less the parts that are bolted to the block, lmao

 

Yeah l was strictly mentioning what should have been done according to the manual.

 

But isn't that due to an issue with the guide or tensioner, not the chain? And sorry, but just because one engine had an issue form 30 years ago, I can't apply that same logic to my motor. In my mind, where does it stop? Do I also replace all the valve springs because some might fail? Rod bearings?

Madness!


I will say if I have any serious amount of miles on my truck and I have the front end apart, i'm replacing everything I can while I am in there. Timing chain included.

 

Timing chains don't last forever. I've built/worked on, more than I care to remember, GM, Ford, Mopar V8's in my day. Factory chains do stretch after time. If you're lucky you caught it in time before it got so sloppy the chain jumped a tooth or two which usually resulted in significant damage. I knew guys who took near new engines and took the front end off, usually to put in a hotter cam, but you also (If you were smart) replaced the gears and chain with a super quality, name brand Double Roller set up. (But even those don't last forever.. Just a lot longer..)

 

Yeah, you're right. It wasn't the chains fault. But when people say "replace timing chain" you never replace JUST the chain. It's always all the wear items. But I agree with you for the most part. I don't plan on changing the timing chain set on my 2gr either until it makes sense to do. i.e: it's torn down for something else in that area.

 

Veering a little off topic, my ex gf son bought a Hyundai and replacing the power steering pump at regular intervals is in the maintenance book, very strange.

 

Yeah I am not trying to argue or anything. I understood your point. I'm just lost on the concept of replacing a timing chain at 80k miles, just because.

If anybody wants to break it down, here ya go.

 

Change the timing chain at 80k? What?

 

Might as well get a new crate engine at 100k for the peace of mind.

 

Fuckin Audi. Serpin-chain.

 

Look up Ford 427 SOHC

It had a 6ft long timing chain controlling a single overhead camshaft in ea cyl head

 

Friend of mine: late model S4; one day its fine, next day dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree and no power... [audi v6] timing chain skipped, turbo jacked up; dealer estimate: $10k

 

This is why I’ll never buy an Audi, bmw or Mercedes.

 

Agreed, they are nice vehicles when they work but are maintenance nightmares!

 

I believe it!

 

Change it dont change I really give a rats ass .. it’s suggestion for further problems down the road if you don’t agree don’t do it simple as that . This place is like the plague . Peace out .