Date: Mon, 04 May 1998 14:13:25 -0700 From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamnet> Subject: Re: Timing Chain
Rick and Lorie Mieras wrote: > > Rick from Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, here... I have 212,000 kilometers > on my '87 9000Turbo. I have never had a problem with my timing chain, > but I am wondering if it has a specific life? Should I be changing it > just 'cuz of the mileage? Under normal circumstances timing chains should not be replaced or otherwise serviced. After a long time, the chain will invariably stretch out, and could eventually break. But, the car *should* be running poorly prior to the chain breaking - the more the chain gets stretched the more the engine's timing will be off. It's pretty rare (if not unheard of) for a timing chain to spontaneously break without ever giving any signs of wear. This is VERY vague, but: You can inspect the timing chain by setting the engine fluywheel to TDC, opening the cam/valve cover, and seeing the the camshafts are aligned properly. If they are not, or cannot be aligned, your timing chain is stretched and should be replaced. -Justin