Should I replace my timing chain?

[itzed]

Hi. I'm the original owner of my wonderful '95 Lunina 3.1, which now has 245,000 miles on it. I've always treated it well with regular oil changes not exceeding 5,000 miles. I just replaced the radiator, thermostat, hoses, and waterpump and it's still running strong like new. It doesn't burn a drop of oil between changes. My question is: Is changing the timing chain something I should be thinking of doing? I've changed plenty of timing belts, but never a chain before. How involved is it? Any estimates on time (mine) and the cost of the parts? Anything else I should change while in there?

Ed

[maxwedge]

Get a wrench on the crank pulley and rock the engine one way then another and see how much movement before the chain turns the cam, you gotta kinda use experience here to tell if the wear is excessive.

[itzed]

Thanks. I've never before had a car with a chain that has racked up enough miles to even worry about it. If there's not much play, should I forget it and just relax?

[maxwedge]

Yes.

[Jonn]

Originally Posted by itzed

Thanks. I've never before had a car with a chain that has racked up enough miles to even worry about it. If there's not much play, should I forget it and just relax?

I believe the 3.1 uses a tensioner the same as a 2.8 and 2.5 four, a crank rock test isnt nearly as informative on these engines as say a v8 without a tensioner is. My chain snapped at 210,000 because the tensioner broke and a piece wedged between crank sproket and chain. New chain and gears was 50.00 , new tensioner was 25.00 I bought chain cover gasket too but could have just used silicone, but needed to replace crank pulley seal anyway, and it came with gasket. At that mileage, if you can do the work, and want to keep the car, i would replace them. Not only cause the chain/tension is worn, it also throws the cam/crankshaft timing out of wack. Oh, and just because it doesnt feel loose, doesnt mean it isnt ready to break, the tensioner might be taking up the slack from the wear.

[itzed]

Thanks Jonn. Sounds like common sence. If I was driving it myself everyday, I might not worry about it, but now my 17 year old daughter has taken it over and I don't want her to be stranded. I'll probably plan on doing it when the weather breaks.

[Jonn]

Originally Posted by itzed

Thanks Jonn. Sounds like common sence. If I was driving it myself everyday, I might not worry about it, but now my 17 year old daughter has taken it over and I don't want her to be stranded. I'll probably plan on doing it when the weather breaks.

I understand where you are coming from, I myself have given cars to 2 daughters to drive, we cant prevent everything, but i say prevent what we know we can. Those youngins worry us enough without the car breaking down eh?
I did my 2.5 4 cyl Lumi engine. It was easy, but keep in mind i have rebuilt lots of engines too. Worst part is getting crank pulley (damper) off. You need a puller, some auto parts stores will rent you one for cheap. Next thing is making sure you have the sprokets aligned proper when you put the chain on, this is vital, one tooth out and you will have to take it back apart to correct it. In case you dont know, each sproket (cam and crank) the toothed ones, have alignment "dots" on them that are aligned thru the center line of the cam and crank centers. If in doubt, get a manual, or a knowlegeable person to check it before you button it up.
Would also after you are done, and its verified correct, change oil and filter. Crap always falls into the oil pan when messing around with timing chains.