1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
2002 9-3SE 118K miles.
Just an update to let you know what was broken and replaced. Thanks a bunch to all who responded with advice, guides, and part numbers!
For the past 15K,(starting ~Aug/Sept?) there were some chain noise. I was waiting for a convenient time to change the timing chain....
Last week, the car flashed a low oil pressure light after an oil change.
After a short drive (~2 miles) and some diagnostic cranks, the balance chain broke. (luckily, in a garage on a hoist!)
Here is what was broken:
Most of the plastic chain guides were broken by the balance chain. Some were quite worn.
The timing chain was worn to ~15mm-tensioner measured..
The cam sprockets looked just like the new ones I ordered...no observable wear!
Many of the balance sprockets were broken (tooth from the broken chain)
The timing cover had a hole in it from the chain breakage.
The oil pressure relief valve (cylinder) was scored.
The oil pump cover was heavily scored.
The oil pump gears were heavily scored.
The timing cover (obviously) was also heavily scored.
The bushings that went into the balance shafts were heavily damaged. Also, the bolts holding the sprockets into the balance shafts were loose and damaged.
I wonder if a loose balance chain sprocket bolt initiated this whole failure over the last 15-20K miles....
I am replacing the entire chain drive system. However, I wonder if I really need to replace the timing sprockets (2 sprockets + cam bolts!). Also, the timing tensioner still seem to work well. Do I need to replace it? (I am replacing the balance chain tensioner).
posted by 74.98.46...
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