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Re: balancing chains Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Tue, 17 Jul 2001 14:53:37
In Reply to: balancing chains, ryan  [Profile/Gallery]
, Tue, 17 Jul 2001 14:14:33
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The balance shafts help smooth out the engine. 2.3liters is pretty big for a four cylinder engine, and most 4-cyl engines much over 2.0 liters use balance shafts for smoothness. As the displacement goes up, the pistons get bigger, and those large pistons going up and down can create a lot of vibration. If you disabled the balance shafts, the engine would be noticeably rougher, especially at higher RPM.
I disagree with your mechanic on a few points. First, you'll notice the difference. Second, the balance shaft chain/sprokets were only a problem in a limited time range, when they used non-hardened sprockets. They aren't a reliability issue otherwise.
$3k is WAY out of line for a timing chain. $1,000 to $1,200 is more like it. If the timing cover is coming off, putting in new balance shaft chains and hardened sprockets is minimal extra labor.
But first, why are you having the timing chain replaced? This isn't something that counts as regular maintenance; a timing chain should last the life of the engine. Is your timing chain being replaced because the mechanic listened to your engine and said "Sounds like your timing chain is going - if that breaks, you'll wreck your engine - better change it now."
If the conversation went anything like that, get your car back now. Yes, timing chains do wear, and if they break, they will do major damage to your engine. But most folks I know with blown timing chains spent less to have their engine put back together than what this guy is quoting to just replace the chain.
If you are worried about the state of the timing chain, have a competent mechanic remove the valve cover and inspect the chain visually. Then turn the engine over to top dead center (TDC) for cylinder #1 and see if the alignment marks on the cam and cam bearings line up. If they do, and the chain looks good, don't bother to replace it.
There are a lot of reasons why Saab engines rattle, and a worn timing chain is just one of them. Noisy/lazy lifters, fuel injectors, worn fuel damper, or worn chain guides all cause noisy engines. NEVER change a timing chain on sound alone - always inspect it first - it should only cost about $75 to inspect, and you get a new valve cover gasket out of it.
, Tue, 17 Jul 2001 14:14:33, Tue, 17 Jul 2001 14:53:37 <-- Viewing This Message
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