1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
It's extremely difficult to do the balance shaft chains without removing the head, because the timing cover removal/installation often destroys the head gasket and then the head will have to come off anyway.
Basically, the problem area in the problem engines (91 to 93 2.3s) was related to the balance shaft chains. A soft sprocket on the crankshaft would allow the balance shaft chain to fall off, tangling in and destroying the timing chain in the process. Later engines (94 and up) addressed this issue by using a harder crankshaft sprocket for the balance shaft chains, so in theory these engines should not require timing chain attention.
I would have a difficult time putting real faith in a rolled-in timing chain, because if not properly done these can fail at the master link, and because they don't address the supposed root of the problem, the balance shaft sprocket. So it would save you money but you might not solve any problems.
To do the "proper" job would be costly in terms of time and parts, especially if you take the car to your trusty mechanic. I've reached the point in my thinking that the value of these cars is not much more than the cost of a timing chain job, meaning that if your car should happen to break down, you can probably just replace it. So my counsel is to drive the car and save the money -- don't bother with the timing chain at this point.
Now, if we're talking about a treasured Aero/member of family here, then it's a situation you'll have to take under advisement. I presume a mechanic would probably charge $1200 or so for a complete timing chain job -- maybe that will help you make your decision.
posted by 155.212.49...
, Tue, 25 Jan 2005 11:04:00
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