2.8 L Broken timing chain..replace engine?

[Black_Blade]

I recently got an 89 Z24 as is, it wasn't running, was told needed a timing belt. Took it to garage and found out the timing chain was snapped. So I have to decide whether to repair this engine or just get a buddy to find me one for about $500.

I am just concerned that other stuff might be damaged because of the chain breaking and I would be into more and more money if I decide to replace the chain and sprockets.

With another engine it may cost more than the cost of the chain and parts, but at least if it smokes I go a 30-60 day warranty.

I am just after other peoples opinions on the chances that the engine is damaged (valves, head. etc)

thanks,
Blade

[Nitrous_Boy]

lets put it this way. What else is wrong. Pull that motor out and either rebuild it or replace it. Unless you want to take it apart a little like take off the head and see witht he pistion walls are like and see what condition it is in. then when you go to replace the chian make sure everything is at TDC. But i would strongly suggest with that year and since it is a z24 just replace the motor or rebuild the one you got

[noshun]

You may be lucky! It may not have done any damage but then again it could have. The most common problem is bent valves but they can break also, it can gauge pistons, and damage rods. The easiest way to tell is to remove the valve covers, get each piston to TDC, just put your finger over the spark plugs holes (oh yeah removing the plugs is the first step the ones on the back bank are always fun!)and just rotate the crank until you feel the pressure get to a maximum but if you start at #1 on the compression stoke then you'll be ok. When you hit TDC for the cylinder then back it up a little use a compression guage with an air fitting to pressurise the piston being checked, compress the valve spring with a valve spring compressor and then tie some sting to the end of the valve. Then relieve the pressure in that cylinder and see if it runs straight in the guide. If not it's bent if the stem comes out it's broken. If you have bent valves, you can just get away with replacing the valves and their guides and leave the cylinders but you can check those when you remove the head to fix the valves. If they all move fine and none are broken then you are lucky! Just fit the chain with piston 1 at TDC on the compression stroke (valves rocking!) 135 are on the fron bank from the left, 246 are on the back bank from the left.

Or you could just replace the motor!

[Knifeblade]

12+ year old motor, broken chain, unknown damage to internals. Best peace of mind is new motor, buddy. Unless ya like to poke around, then follow noshun's thinking.

[Black_Blade]

Originally Posted by Knifeblade_03

12+ year old motor, broken chain, unknown damage to internals. Best peace of mind is new motor, buddy. Unless ya like to poke around, then follow noshun's thinking.

Yeah, its pretty much what I have decided to do...go with another engine. Thanks guys for your input, appreciate it.

[Knifeblade]

NP, us Blades have to stick together, lol.

[noshun]

Well once you get the new one you can check the old the way I said and if all is ok you have a spare!