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Re: timing chain 192k/89 turbo, 5sp Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Thu, 11 Jan 2001 16:31:06
In Reply to: timing chain 192k/89 turbo, 5sp, Ed S, Thu, 11 Jan 2001 15:28:02 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
There is no timing chain service interval on Saabs. There - I said it.
The info you're getting on the timing chain is wrong. There are various ways to determine if it needs replacement (sound, how far the tensioner is extended), but the Bentley manual states it best. All you need to do is remove the Valve cover - About a 15 minute job. You can then visually inspect the timing chain and cam sprockets for wear. Next, turn the engine over to TDC on cylinder #1, and check the alignment of marks on the cam sprockets against marks on the bearing pillow blocks holding the cams. If the marks line up, there is no stretch in the chain. You'll need to replace the valve cover gasket when you put the valve cover back on, but all in all, about a 90 minute job for a DIY. All you need is a torque wrench and a socket set.
So the chain can be inspected without removing the engine. If the chain does need replacement, it can be 'rolled in' with just the valve cover off. The old chain has a link removed, and the new chain attached. The engine is then slowly turned over as the new chain rolls in and the old one out. This is a fine solution if all that is wrong is a worn chain. However, if the chain has worn, chances are good that the chain guides are worn also, and those can ONLY be accessed by removing the timing chain cover, which is best done with the engine out of the car.
If the chain is quiet when the car is warm (clatter when cold is normal), I wouldn't sweat the timing chain. They do fail, but it's very rare, and unless the car sounds like a bunch of spoons are rattling around in the engine, I wouldn't sweat it.
What does worry me is that you have no maintenance history on the car. Any car, but Saabs especially, need good maintenance. When was the last time the oil was changed? How do you know it isn't the same oil they put in at the factory? Engine mounts don't usually all break at once unless somebody was jumping the car (abuse) - One breaks, and the next ones break because they take up the stress - that implies the previous owner didn't fix things when they broke.
I wouldn't buy a used car without complete maintenance records. Period. There are plenty of good cars out there with records - wait for one. Otherwise you risk getting a real fright pig of a car. That's true if the car has 192K or 50K.
Just my $0.02
, Thu, 11 Jan 2001 16:31:06 <-- Viewing This Message
, Thu, 11 Jan 2001 16:41:47, Thu, 11 Jan 2001 16:41:41
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