Hi

I have a 95 Max with 200K Km. Over the past 30K it has developed a rattle in the timeing chain. Mostly on cold start (Canada Ya Know). The dealer tells me that he is going to charge me close to 2K. seems steep to me. Lucas oil treatment seems to help a fair bit and i am considering running synthetic oil. Slick 50 has been suggested as well.

My concern is that the chain will break and all manner of nasty things will occur such as bent valves etc. Is this a common problem and if so what has been the end result of not replaceiong the chain. That is to say how long can i get away without spending 2 grand?

Underdog

 

That price does seem high but i understand that the job is a major PITA. A waterpump replacement is $1200.00 at the dealer and a timing set is more involved. With that many miles the chain could be worn out but I would suspect the tensioner first. They seem to be a weakness in the earlier engines.

I would stick to high quality non-synth oil and use a good filter like the OEM blue or a purolator Pure-one. Try a 0w30 if you havn't already. I definitely wouldn't use Slick 50 or any other additive.

 

Yes the tensioner(s) are probably at the root of the problem. My understanding is that there are 3 separate oilers involved as well. The theory seems to be that once you get in there you might as well replace everything. I really dont want to get involved in this and would trade the car if I am running a risk of total breakdown.

Thnx

Underdog

 

I would doubt the chain breaking soon and causing a total meltdown and if it were me I would look into exactly what it would take to do the job myself. The worst part would be taking off the motor mount and timing cover. Everything after that would be easier if you were careful. Especially with the timing marks. And think of the satisfaction you would feel...Besides, It would give you a chance to polish the whole cover!

To me it would be worth it. I like this car too much and would have a problem getting rid of it over something like this. It's a big job but it is doable. I guess it comes down to willingness and ability. If you don't think you have the skills I wouldn't advise doing it but if you do I'd try. I'm sure people here would help if you ran into something unexpected.

 

Don't you have to pull the whole motor to get the chain and all its goodies replaced?

-RMB

 

I really don't think the dealer would pull the engine. I just read the whole section in the Haynes manual but engine removal is not mentioned, thank God. LOTS of work but not that.

Removing the engine would make replacing the timing set alot easier but there is no way I would do it. Way too much extra work that it not directly related to the job.

 

Book says 10.5 hours labor. what can take that long if you are not pulling the motor I wonder
Underdog