Timing Chain

[Fallen]

OK. So I now have 144,000 miles on my 1995 5 speed. I have never had the timing chain changed and it is beginning to worry me. I have a few questions in the area for those who can answer.

1) Should I be worried?
2) How much damage can occure when the thing breaks?
3) Is it possible for me to change it myself? (I have never done anything like this myself... but would love to learn)
4) How long would it take if question 3 is answered with a yes?

Thanks everyone,
Matt

 

[Pinto Beast]

OK. So I now have 144,000 miles on my 1995 5 speed. I have never had the timing chain changed and it is beginning to worry me. I have a few questions in the area for those who can answer.

1) Should I be worried?
2) How much damage can occure when the thing breaks?
3) Is it possible for me to change it myself? (I have never done anything like this myself... but would love to learn)
4) How long would it take if question 3 is answered with a yes?

Thanks everyone,
Matt

1. Timing chains should be replaced at around 100k miles. Your at almost 1.5 times that. It's beyond time.
2. A lot. You don't want it to break. enough said.
3. Yes you can do it yourself.
4. I would guess that if you have never done it on your own it will be a full day project if you work fast or a 2 day project if you take your time. A chilton's would really help walk you through it, someone who has done it will help you even more

 

[Fallen]

A chilton's would really help walk you through it

What is a Chilton? I imagine it is a handbook?
Is there some type of book/manuel I could get that would walk me through it step by step? I learn fast, but I want to be really careful in this area of the car.

Thanks!
~`Fallen`~

 

[BlueSHO]

What is a Chilton? I imagine it is a handbook?
Is there some type of book/manuel I could get that would walk me through it step by step? I learn fast, but I want to be really careful in this area of the car.

Thanks!
~`Fallen`~

Chilton is a publisher of model-specific manuals for car repair. Haynes is another publisher of these manuals. Most auto parts stores carry one or the other, and they cost about $12-15. They include detailed instructions for most jobs, and quite a few pictures.

 

[Fallen]

Ok. I looked it up. Looks like Chilton is a better manual for what I need to do so I will get it. I already have the haynes manual, but it doesn't hurt to do more reading.

Does anyone have any suggestions / pointers / do's or don'ts for changing a timing chain? Do I have to drain the oil and water? I figure I am going to have to remove both the upper and lower water hose to make more room, and probably the radiator fan. Any other information would be great.

I love this board!
~`Fallen`~

 

[Silentst2000]

Ok. I looked it up. Looks like Chilton is a better manual for what I need to do so I will get it. I already have the haynes manual, but it doesn't hurt to do more reading.

Does anyone have any suggestions / pointers / do's or don'ts for changing a timing chain? Do I have to drain the oil and water? I figure I am going to have to remove both the upper and lower water hose to make more room, and probably the radiator fan. Any other information would be great.

I love this board!
~`Fallen`~

Hmm lets see,

The water pump and oil pan, oil pump and Cam shaft position sensor attach to the timing cover so you need to drain the oil and water. I'm not sure but I don't think you have to drop the oil pan. You will still have to clean the oil pan surface real good and put new sealant on it. Does your water pump have 144k miles on it or was it replaced recently? If you are going throught he trouble to replace the chain then I'd replace the water pump as well. I'd also replace the front crank seal as well. I'd powerwash the front of the engine as best you can before doing this to keep as much FOD from entering the pan.

 

[Fallen]

No. My water pump was changed about 20k ago so I think it is good. I was told by a friend that I can get books from Helm Inc. and that they are the best way to go. Is this true? Sounds like a large job, but... I can't help but get excited when I think about beginning!

~`Fallen`~

 

[Pinto Beast]

Hmm lets see,

The water pump and oil pan, oil pump and Cam shaft position sensor attach to the timing cover so you need to drain the oil and water. I'm not sure but I don't think you have to drop the oil pan. You will still have to clean the oil pan surface real good and put new sealant on it. Does your water pump have 144k miles on it or was it replaced recently? If you are going throught he trouble to replace the chain then I'd replace the water pump as well. I'd also replace the front crank seal as well. I'd powerwash the front of the engine as best you can before doing this to keep as much FOD from entering the pan.

you have to loosen the front 2 bolts on each side of the oil pan to get the timing cover off. I too would replace the front seal