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95 Timing Chain & Turbo replacement costs / justification.

My 2000 model year, 95 2.0LPT (109k miles) just became a smoke generator. My local dealer has diagnosed a blown turbo and also that the timing chain is rattling and loose. They are advising replacement of both, quoting =A32500 ($4300) for the chain & turbo, claiming they need to remove the engine to change the timing chain. Cost for the new turbo only is =A3900 ($1600). I guess the turbo replacement is a no-brainer as no turbo means no car but I have a few questions that I hope someone may be able to answer about the timing chain, my knowledge of this being limited and a couple of searches not really answering these:

This seems quite an incredible amount of money for the timing chain change, is this reasonable?

Do you need really need to pull out the engine to change the chain?

How often do the chains fail in practice, could I get by without changing it? (aiming to do another 30k miles / 2 years before changing vehicle).

Thanks in advance for any advice / comparisons anyone can give.

Reply to
bypassmail
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Yes and no. Some people do roll chains in with the engine in place. But more importantly, a chain only needs replacing if it's stretched beyond its operational limit. If your chain is rattling, you need to determine why. It could be the chain tensioner. It could be the chain guides.

Next to never (but not never).

Maybe, maybe not. It really depends on what's wrong. Do you trust these people?

Reply to
Grunff

Dunno about the chain but that seems like a lot for a turbo, there's shops out there that specialize in rebuilding turbochargers, also you have to make sure the PCV system is clear, lots of good turbos get replaced due to clogged crankcase vents.

Reply to
James Sweet

In message , snipped-for-privacy@postmaster.co.uk writes

How much for the turbo??? I've just got my 9-5 back from Jamsaab near Bristol after its big service and a drop of the sump to check for sludge and we were chatting about other jobs and Martin mentioned that a new turbo is less than £400 plus around £180 to fit. If your dealer is quoting £900 I'd suggest you find someone else to do your work.

Make sure whoever replaces your turbo also flushes out the intercooler as debris can pass from the failed turbo into the intercooler and then through the engine into the hot side of the turbo leading to another failure (in some cases this can be measured in weeks).

I recommend Jamsaab without hesitation if you are close to Bristol.

Andy

Reply to
Andrew Sinclair

I know most everything in the UK is expensive. But this is ridiculous. Find an independent mechanic.

Reply to
yaofeng

I'd say that's pretty unlikely, I've never heard of it happening anyway.

Do make sure the oil feed line to the turbo is replaced though, oil can coke up in that and kill a new turbo.

Reply to
James Sweet

Where in the UK are you? Maybe someone can recommend a local specialist to help you out.

--=20 Carl Robson Car PC Build starts again.

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Reply to
NeedforSwede2

I'm in Towcester, South Northamptonshire, apparently there is an independent in Milton Keynes, SAABMECH or something, anyone used them?

Reply to
bypassmail

Don't know of the Milton Keynes Saabmech.

If Hitchin isn't too far away you could try Swedish Car Care, I think they are on 01462 440123. Tried them a couple of years ago on a smaller job than yours and they were ok.

Reply to
John Hudson

Couldn't find anything for Northamptonshire but. Hertfordshire

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Reply to
NeedforSwede2

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