I have a 93 Max -- owner's manual says replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles, which I have done.
I read on this NG mention about a timing chain in the Max. Did they go to a chain in later Max's? Timing chains generally don't require replacement, right?
Just wondering.
The 160HP VE30xx SOHC engine has belts, while the 190HP VG30DE DOHC has chains. Both engines were available that year, depending on which model you got. I think only the GXE had the VE30. Both are good engines.
Chains generally last the life of the engine, but not always. A belt which slips gear teeth could alter timing to the point where a piston may be going 'up' and hit a valve which is 'down'.. very bad.
"Joe S." wrote:
Key word is "generally". The problem arises when an engine has a chain problem, it's normally 3X-5X more than a T-belt job would cost.
Yes, chains are better, but as suggested, if a car with a chain has a problem, it may cost more to replace, BUT, you do not have a 600 dollar expense every 60K miles either.....and don't think that "well I just drive
5K every year so it will last me along time" because time is just as important as mileage, in other words, its every 60K or every so many years......I don't know the time frame off the top of my head.....but there is a time, as well as mileage. Good Luck
I consider 10 years about the max to let a belt go without replacing it.
I think the recommendation is 60K miles or 4 years (48 months), which ever is first.
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