'98 2.2 Timing Chain

[pmcdaniel]

Well, it survived the chattering noise for a good 80K miles (140K total now) before it got ALOT louder today (guessing the tensioner finally let go), and now the chain is either broken or off. Car died trying to get it home in one piece, just suddenly cut off, rattling noise stopped, will not refire. No uncommon noises when turning the engine over.

Assuming it didn't bend the valves or do any other damage, how difficult is it to replace? I've changed water pumps, alternators etc on other cars, but nothing like this. I do have the manual and lots of mechanics to consult and access to lots of tools. What I don't have is alot of cash.

[richtazz]

the job isn't that hard, just inconvenient. You have to remove all the belt driven accessories, and getting the harmonic balancer off is a pain in the A$$. If you have a repair manual and are mechanically inclined, there are no evil surprises or highly technical proceedures, just time and patience. And take lots of breaks to save your back.

[pmcdaniel]

That's kinda what I figured. Just wanted to make sure they didn't throw any curveballs in there. I've got the full paper repair manual, and the GM one online, and it doesn't look too bad aside from having to remove the motor mount and oilpan.