All,

I did a search through the forum for this ,but there was never a clear answer. I have a 97se with 126k miles on it. Now I was hearing knocking comming from the timing chain cover and took it over to a shop. After a quick diagnosis, just listening to the area of the engine making the sound, said that the chain most likely needed to be replaced. He quoted about 300 bucks and a day and a half for the labor. Now here are my questions.

1. How can a timing chain go bad, aren't these things supposed to last for the life of the engine?

2. I read in some other postings that the tensioners could be loose, if that's the case are there other symptoms outside of a knocking I should be aware of?

3. I also read that removing the cover is a very complicated process something I, a backyard mechanic, shouldn't attempt to do. Anyone thoughts?

4. What about the price, does it sound fair? How much is the chain itself?

Thanks

 

I had my timing chain replaced on my 96 GLE (105,000 miles) after hearing that same noise (although someone here informed me it was probably just a faulty tensioner afterwards, maybe Bill??). Anyway, it was worth it to me because the car sounds perfect now. I had them replace the water pump as well.

 

Do you remember the parts/labor charge to have this done?
I thinh I may have to have this done.

 

I'll dig out my parts list and post it for you. If I remember correctly it cost a little more than $1200 parts and labor.

 

Holy Buckets!
I just made a dealer appointment for Wednesday morning at which
time they will "assess" what the noise is. Good news is that IF it
IS timing chain the svc mgr indicated that it WOULD be covered under
the basic 60K warranty (have 52K miles on car).

 

What kind of noise are we talking about here? Like a high pitched gridnign type of noise? Like a chattering, kinda high pitched.

I found a used engine for 1200, how much do you guys think it would be to get intalled?

 

I'll sell you a engine for $400.

 

I'll sell you an engine for $100. It's 11hp and came straight outta my lawnmower. It has low hours.. Best of all, its small, so you can fit lots of turbos and superchargers all up in there! Let me know.