1998 3.1 timing chain longivity=-

[jamesmetairie]

226,000= miles on it now.
hoping to get 300,000 without a timing chain replacement.
what are the odds??

had the old manifold gasket problem at about 100,000(???) ,but fixed it quickly so hopefully no damage to the cam,etc.

[jeffcoslacker]

My harmonic balancer started falling apart around 190,000 so I replaced the timing chain and gears and damper while I had the balancer off. Surprisingly they were still in good shape. Probably could have gone another 100,000.

[jamesmetairie]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

My harmonic balancer started falling apart around 190,000 so I replaced the timing chain and gears and damper while I had the balancer off. Surprisingly they were still in good shape. Probably could have gone another 100,000.

is there any way easy way for my skilled , honest mobile mechanic to tell when the timing chain is about used up?

does it usually just break apart or skip a sprocket or what?

as always , thanks for your advice jeff.