1985 buick electra park ave. timing chain

[roonie]

I just bought this car for $1. It has 122k miles and is hard starting, backfiring slightly, and is knocking. I am guessing its the timing chain. I am hoping someone can give me some insight and perhaps a manual with step by steps on how to change this timing chain on this particular yr. of engine. (3.8L)
I would also like some information on what yrs. of engines are the same and when they changed stages etc. so i am sure i am buying the correct timing chain. The eighth digit on the vin is a 3 and i was told by the parts guy that the car is a 1986 but yet on the registration , it states the car is a 1985. Also...does the oil pan have to be dropped to do this timing chain. thanks in advance guys..ooooops and gals.

[Tech II]

Well, a "3" motor certainly wouldn't be in a 1995.....so that is a typo....
done a compression test yet? Could have a valve problem....

If I remember right, they used a rubber gasket that could shift on you while reinstalling the cover, causing a leak....being that old, I would drop the pan if a chain, tensioner and sprockets are necessary.....

Got more bad news for ya, if it is the cam gear/chain/tensioner......that original cam sprocket was not all metal(replacement was)......the teeth were known to go on the cam sprockets, and if the engine was revving high when it happened, it could have bent push rods and/or created valve problems......

[roonie]

Originally Posted by Tech II

Well, a "3" motor certainly wouldn't be in a 1995.....so that is a typo....
done a compression test yet? Could have a valve problem....

If I remember right, they used a rubber gasket that could shift on you while reinstalling the cover, causing a leak....being that old, I would drop the pan if a chain, tensioner and sprockets are necessary.....

Got more bad news for ya, if it is the cam gear/chain/tensioner......that original cam sprocket was not all metal(replacement was)......the teeth were known to go on the cam sprockets, and if the engine was revving high when it happened, it could have bent push rods and/or created valve problems......

Not sure what your PC is reading but mine says 1985 buick park ave. in the title.
Yeah compression is good...nice light brown plugs. No bent push rods ...that was the first thing i checked while running. Im guessing the tensioner is broke inside and causing the slapping/knocking of the chain. Just need some info and pics for install etc.

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by roonie

the car is a 1986 but yet on the registration , it states the car is a 1995.

Looks like 1995 from here too?

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by roonie

The eighth digit on the vin is a 3 and i was told by the parts guy that the car is a 1986 but yet on the registration , it states the car is a 1985. Also...does the oil pan have to be dropped to do this timing chain. thanks in advance guys..ooooops and gals.

Thanks for the EDIT.