Timing Chain Help!!

[FastGN007]

I recently did a search on timing chain replacement and want to make sure i am going to do this right. I just have a few questions. My motor has 160K miles and still has the stock timing chain. I am taking it back to college with me, (about 700 mile drive) and want to make sure i can get there and back. I was fine during the fall semester except for my heater core and starter!! I am home for spring break in a week and am going to replace the timing chain. I want to use a Stock Replacement Steel chain and gear set. Can someone give me a list of parts/part numbers for the stuff i will need to do this job (timing set, gasket set, tensioner, cam buttonn)? Do i have to replace the front cover or can i just replace the rope seal? I planned on jacking up the rear of the car and taking off the pump (replacing it too) and letting the coolant drain out first, before i take off the front cover and loosen the oil pan. I feel that this way i won't need to take off the pan. I know i need to prime the oil system. I am going to do the spring cleaning and do this job as well. The turbo is stock and still good. anything else i should consider replacing before i leave home? Any information is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

 

[Danster]

The only other thing I would change if you haven't already recently is the water pump. Since it's coming off anyway.

Dannyo

 

[Danster]

By the way, I got all my stuff from my local Autozone except for the cam button. I got the can button from one of the vendors. Order it now if you haven't already to have it in time when you do the job.


Dannyo

 

[OklahomaThunder]

timing chain

When you remove the front cover, make sure you do not use the rope seal. Purchase a neoprene seal and install it. The Fel-pro gasket set comes with the neoprene seal.

 

[billsgn]

160k is a lot of miles....

for the stock chain. I would bet the front cover is worn pretty badly from the stock cam button. You should source out a front cover and be prepared to get one on short notice incase your original cover is in bad shape.

 

[MSDGN]

I would definitely remove the pan...if you run antifreeze some of it will get in the pan when you remove the front cover and will not drain out through the drain hole...after that many miles it would be a good idea to just clean out the pan real good and check the oil pickup...I'll bet there's crap on the screen...the pan is easy to get off...worth going to the extra trouble IMO...

 

[FastGN007]

Thanks!!

Thanks for the info. How long should it take to remove the oilpan?? I figured that it would be difficult with the motor still in the car. Where should i order my new cam button and timing chain from? All i need is a steel replacement that is going to fit right. Where can i order the Felpro timing cover gasket set? Do i just order the tensioner from my local GM dealership? if i drop the whole pan will i need a new cork oilpan gasket? Sorry for all the questions but i want to make sure i get the right stuff.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Tim Cucci]

You should be able to get all the parts at a local parts store. As for the oil pan, you need to remove it. You will probably find most of your old timing gear in there. Don't be surprised. I could not believe my car was even running after I saw the old timing gear. I got my cork oil pan gasket from Postons. Very reasonable including shipping. Oil pan gasket was the only part that was not local and I did not search local for it. All parts you need are common. You will pay an arm and a leg if you order. Check out Advance Auto online and take the list to the local store.
Tim

 

[OklahomaThunder]

timing chain

...One last tip, when I pull the oil pans off of these cars, I remove the motor mount bolts on both sides[the long bolts] and I get a floor jack and a block of wood. Place the jack underneath the oil pan and jack the motor up until you can slide the bolts back in the frame stands. When you set the motor down it will rest on the bolts, and make it alot easier to remove the pan.

 

[Hawaiian Turbo]

That's a good one.