1993 SL2 timing chain or belt

I'm just curious. My dad sent me an email today saying that a friend of his had a Saturn (don't know the year or date) that should have had the timing chain replaced at 80,000. The guy didn't get it replaced and the engine self destructed at 100,000. My Saturn, 1993 SL2, now has 160,000 miles on it. Back when it was approaching 100,000, I remember asking someone, either at an auto parts store or a mechanic shop, whether or not I needed to have the timing chain replaced and they told me the 93 SL2 didn't have one. I have had the serpetine belt replaced, but that's it, and now I can't seem to find anything online that speaks to the presence or absence of a timing chain or belt in 93 SL2s. Anyone have any input? Thanks

its a chain, no replacement interval (maybe a few newer ones do, but not yours). i have 168k and i NEED to replace it, because when it goes, it takes everything else out with it. i know of many other saturns with more miles on the orginal chain. the only real way to check it is by taking the timing cover off. but if when the engine is cold, at start up, you can hear a metal clanking sound from the timing chain(on the passinger side, by the serp belt) its a good sign its on its last leg. its not impossible for a good DIYer. but have someone else do it expect to pay $600 labor. the chain by it self is about $20, but you really would want to replace the chain, gears, and guides, the whole kit is about $195. in my case, its not just the chain, but the guides as well, replacing just the chain won't fix anything.

need more info?

Thanks sierrap615. I'm new to the whole forum thing, so I hope I'm replying the right way. At any rate, I'm scheduled to take my Saturn in next week for an oil change, so I'll get the chain checked out. Most appreciated.

How can you distinguish a chain noise when cold from all the other sounds. My SL2 has always sounded like a sewing machine, especially when cold.

I'm not sure that I can answer your question, but I know that my Saturn starts to tick like a sewing machine when it's low on oil. I just add a quart and it's smooth again . . .

At 60,000 miles on my 93 SL2, I am finally able to control the oil burning by using MaxLife oil. Get up to 2000 miles per quart now. The previous owner (my father-in-law) changed the oil every year - if it needed it or not. I also use a larger filter.

call me young, but i haven't heard a sewing machine in 7 years i bet.

a rattle is the timing chain

a rapid tick-tick-tick is a valve

also location, putting your ear to the end of a old paper towel tube or flat head screw driver(handle to your ear) and the other end on the valve cover may help you pin point the area of the sound. if in on the raised area on the passinger side its the chain. if its in the shorter raised area to the front or back of the engine, then its a valve.

The previous owner (my father-in-law) changed the oil every year - if it needed it or not. I also use a larger filter.

YIKES! once a year "if it needed it or not" :eek7:

what filter do you use?