1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
[Main 9000 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Re: Timing Chain Service Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Fri, 4 Apr 2003 07:03:28 In Reply to: Timing Chain Service, Jacques Mitchell, Fri, 4 Apr 2003 06:39:04 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
A pet peeve of mine.
There is no scheduled replacement interval for the timing chain. The timing chain can last the life of the car in most cases with frequent oil changes. Yes, some chains wear out sooner even with full care.
Unless the engine sounds like a tin can of silverware rolling down stairs, you can't diagnose a timing chain by ear. Nope, not even the holy Saab Technicians.
The proper way to check a timing chain is to pull the valve cover, and, well, inspect the chain. Look at the chain and sprocket for wear. Turn the engine to TDC for cylinder #1 and look at the alignment marks. If the marks are off, then the chain has lengthened due to wear. If the marks align well, and the chain and sprockets look good, the chain does NOT need replacement.
IF you have an early 2.3l car, the balance shaft chains and sprockets are a concern, and aren't as easy to inspect. But if you have a 2.0l engine, there are no balance shafts.
Pulling the valve cover is pretty easy and quick, and usually needs to be done every 75K or so simply because the valve cover gaskets leak oil onto the exhaust manifold. About an hour's labor and $25 for a new gasket.
I have been told in the past by Saab Techs that my timing chain 'sounds like it's about to go' for quite a while now. The first time was at 70K miles or so. The car now has >140K and is still fine. I've pulled the valve cover and checked the chain, and it shows minimal wear.
To be blunt, there is no downside to the Tech on this matter. If the timing chain truly is worn, he's saved you. If it isn't worn, he's still getting paid for his work and the parts. And do you really expect he'll open it up and say that the parts didn't show some signs of wear?
If you're concerned, get the timing chain inspected, or better yet, do it yourself. It's not that hard.
Good luck!
posted by 192.249....
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.