Date: Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:53:04 -0700 From: Grumpy Mike <dalcassian301nospamom.net> Subject: Timing Chain failure at 46k miles
My 900 is 9 years old but only has 46k miles on the clock as it is used mainly for very short trips. Last week, after an eight mile trip, I thought there was a JCB on my tail until I realised the noise was coming from my engine. We live near a construction site and at first I thought the noise was coming from there - a bit like a digger's bucket scraping the ground. This morning, on start-up, the engine was quite noisy, a bit like the sound you get from loose tappets, and it seemed to need a bit of extra revving to pull away. After about two miles, it cut out. It would only restart by revving it a good bit and cut out again after about 200 yards. I was close to a small garage and the mechanics came out and had a look and told me to bring it in, which took a considerable amount of revving. They said they woul have a look at it and call me after lunch. About an hour later they called and said that the timing chain had broken. They said that unles I replaced a bunch of other parts, I'd be back to them again in 3 weeks. The quote was =E2=82=AC1700 (=E2=82= =AC700 parts, =E2=82=AC700 labour, =E2=82=AC300 VAT) because it required removal of the e= ngine, taking off the head and sump, etc. My question is, if the car would run when revved up, how could the timing chain be broken? And, if it does need replacement, does this require the removal of the engine, head, and sump? I am not a DIY type but I am suspicious, and a bit pissed off at the idea of having to pay =E2=82=AC1700 for repairs to a car with such low mileage. (Especially as I don't have that kind of money) Any advice would be appreciated. A very grumpy Mike
