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Re: 92 2.1 900s timing chain and AC question
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Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Thu, 14 Feb 2002 13:00:14 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: 92 2.1 900s timing chain and AC question, Blair, Thu, 14 Feb 2002 10:13:05
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Rattle isn't always the chain - you may very well be hearing a lazy valve lifter. Diagnosing chain problems by ear is not the way to schedule maintenance.

Since you have a '91, you already have the 'improved' design chain tensioner. Try this trick - turn the engine over backwards a couple of turns. You can do this by sticking a big wrench on the main pulley. Another method if you have a 5-speed is to find a level piece of ground. Put the car in 5th gear, and push/rock the car backwards. The engine will turn. The best method is to remove the spark plugs (so there's no compression) and turn the engine with a wrench.
This helps set the chain tensioner. The tensioner automatically wrachets out - it tensions the chain in discrete steps. You might be on the hairy edge of a step, and turning the engine backwards will 'trip it over the edge'. Change the oil - fresh oil always helps quiet engines down.

The best way to diagnose a bad chain is to remove the valve cover and inspect the chain visually. Next, turn the engine to TDC for cylinder #1 and check the alignment marks on the cam versus the head. If they line up, the chain is probably fine. If the chain looks worn and the alignment is off, the chain needs replacement.

If it matters, I've had cars that rattle when cold, and they've been rattling when cold for 50, 60, 70K miles. And when I pull the valve covers, they inspect up just fine.

OK - what if you want to replace the chain? There are two approaches. One is the 'roll-in' method, where the valve cover is removed, a link taken out of the old chain and the new chain attached, and the engine turned, rolling in the new chain as the old one rolls out. Not a lot of labor - maybe a couple/three hours. This is a fine method if only the chain is worn. However, the chain isn't the only part of the system. The chain runs on sprockets, and runs against chain guides. It's tough to come up with a reason why the chain would wear out, but the things it runs on and rubs against are still fresh and new.
Doing the job right requires removing the timing chain cover at the front of the engine - the part wedged between the engine and firewall. I'm not sure of an exact price, but I'd say we're talking about $1,200 or so as a ball-park. But if you're looking to quiet the chain and it's due to worn guides, the roll-in method will be a waste.

Turn the engine backwards, and put in some fresh oil. You can also replace the chain tensioner - a new one is only about $50 for the part. If you're really worried, have the chain inspected. It's only about an hour's work, and you get a new valve cover gasket out of it - chances are the present one is leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold out in the parking lot right now. But don't plan on replacing the chain just because it rattles a little.

As to the AC - yes, you can replace the clutch without evacuating the system. But get the system checked - it may not be a clutch problem. A failure mode of the AC system is to need increased force to turn it - either a compressor problem or something as simple as low Freon levels. So the clutch slipping may be telling you something else is wrong. Have the system pressures checked. It could be as simple as worn clutch linings, but don't spend the money to replace the clutch just to find out later that other things need work.

Good luck!

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