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Timing Chain ('99 SL 102 K mi)

Hi, all! It seems to me that I used to see recommendations to change the timing chain at about 100,000 miles, whether it seems to need it or not, as there is no way to tell if it is about to fail. But recently the consensus seems to be that timing chains should last the life of the engine if the car is properly maintained. Any thoughts about which way to go, specifically for a '99 SL with about 102,000 miles (approx 1/3 city 2/3 interstate) and manual transaxle, that has had all regularly scheduled maintenance (with the exception of going to about 4000 between oil changes four of five times) by Saturn dealership maintenance dept? I'm inclined to go for it, as I want this car to use this car until it disintegrates. :)

Reply to
Steve
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Change it change it change it, if and they do go can be VERY costly to fix, so suck it up and do it!!!!!!

Reply to
James and Jenn

ing chain at about 100,000 miles, whether it=20

Before the chain fails, it will be very noisy. If there are no strange noises coming from the front of the engine, leave it alone.

I replaced the front cover on a '95 SL1 that had 130k on it, and then replaced the head on it at 148k (the infamous casting flaw finally showed up). This car was neglected most of its life (my friend was really, really bad about checking the oil, and ran it with the bad head for about a month). It wasn't unusual for it to be run with less than 2 quarts of oil for prolonged periods. (it wasn't my car, I just did the work on it when I discovered she was in danger of killing the car).

Even at 148k miles of neglect/abusive driving, the chain was still well within specs. The car was recently traded in at 170k, still on the original chain.

--=20 =EF=BB=BFKevin M. Keller Director, News & Promotions Saturn Performance Club

Reply to
Kevin

I wouldn't be concerned about the chain until it gets noisey. You will know it when it begins to make noise.

It will make noise for a long time before it causes any damage. Once it makes noise, I would get it changed ASAP.

James

Reply to
James1549

chain at about 100,000 miles, whether it

But recently the consensus seems to be that

maintained. Any thoughts about which way to go,

interstate) and manual transaxle, that has had

between oil changes four of five times)

this car to use this car until it

Oil quality was much better in 1999 and up. The upkeep on the car sounds fine. The mileage on the OD is good as in its not likely to have a bunch of cold starts or moisture in the oil. I say that chain is in good shape and will be for a long while.

Reply to
BläBlä

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