timing belt of chain

[Lauralai21]

hi
We have a 1995 Chevrolet Lumina LS with 3.4, dual exhaust.

On saturday our car (may parents) died while on the high way (we were driving and then had no power, not like power, power but like it wouldn't run) and wouldn't start up. We had it towed to what we thought was a good garage and was told that it needed a timing belt, 2 front ball joints and the timing chain needed to be fixed. We had them fix the timing belt and was told that we should drive it until the timing chain went and then fix the belt then since it was a lot of money to fix. Well we got the car back last night and it was idling high when you stoped, and was hard to turn over, not as good as it was before. Well this morning my step dad was driving my brother to school, turned off the car and turned tried to turn it back on, it wouldn't work. So we called the garage, they came to get it again, and when they got there it turned over. Well we told them to take it back and have them look at it and they said it was the timing chain. Even though it's hard to tell what it is over the net, I was wondering if anyone knew if you think this problem. From brief reading on the net I thought that there was either the belt or the chain, and my step dad (doesn't know much about cars) says that since the motor is 3.4 that it has both. I don't think so. Anyway and info would be great on it. We are probably planning to take it to another garage as we thought they were good because my grandma has been going there for a bit, but are not sure now.
thanks in advance
Lauralai

[Kooterskkar]

Ahhp yeah, it will either have a timing belt OR a chain but not both. If you lok ont top of the engine does it say DOHC anywhere? If not it has a timing chain which, yes, is a pita to get to. If it breaks the engine will die immediately and will not restart until you repace the chain and reset the timing. If it started again when they came to get it then it is NOT the timing chain. Take that car to another shop asap and get another opinion.
Also they shouldnt even be looking at your balljoints if the car is only there because it wont start.
Im thinking its the ignition module or CPS (crankshaft position sensor) Anything mechanical will not create an intermittent problem if it breaks, so its most likely a sensor/electronic component.

[putz65]

I would agree that it cant be the timing chain it has to be something electrical. When it wouldnt start did it crank over or did it just not fire.

Any good shop does look over the whole car to make sure it is roadworthy and safe to drive. In the shop I work at everytime I put a car on the lift for any reason I check the front end (tie rods, ball joints, tires, etc.).

[Fireplug]

The 3.4 has a timing BELT NOT A CHAIN. The belt drives the two over head cams ,you got ripped off

[RollinonZ34]

Originally Posted by Fireplug

The 3.4 has a timing BELT NOT A CHAIN. The belt drives the two over head cams ,you got ripped off

The 3.4 DOHC DOES HAVE A CHAIN (INTERMEDIATE SHAFT) AND A TIMING BELT THAT DRIVES THE 4 CAMS. THE CHAIN IS BEHIND THE BELT SETUP. IT DOES EVENTUALLY GO OUT. THE CHAIN IS WHAT TURNS THE TIMING BELT.

[Fireplug]

It been awhile sence i have worked on a 3.4 but i dont remember a chain but i could be wrong

[Manny_boy]

3.4L has both belt and chain - the belt is usually what you hear about because it is changed more often, but the chain drives the intermediate shaft. You won't see it unless you remove the timing belt all related accessories, then remove the timing chain cover which is underneath the timing belt.