Without a doubt it is a fair amount of work to change the timing chain.
However, in my opinion, it is well worth doing. 190K miles is a lot. It is
time to do it. I have had them get so sloppy that they slip teeth, that
happened on an engine with 180K miles. I have also had some run for way
longer than that, and upon disassembling the engine for overhaul, the chain
still looked pretty good. So you never know.
Regards,
Jim B.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Michelon" <lmichelon@i-c.net>
To: <buick-rover-v8@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2002 10:52 PM
Subject: timing gear
> Just how badly can a stretched chain affect performance?
>
> I have a 3.9l in my '89 Range Rover (NAS). It has 190K+ miles on it. I
need
> to replace my water pump and it was suggested I do the timing chain/gears
at
> the same time. It's a bit more work, but I would be willing to do it if it
> means more power or a better running engine.
>
> The engine seems to be running fine as far as efficiency goes. It lacks in
> being able to rev freely (especially compared to my '97 4.0). I figure the
> engine, particularly the upper end, in general is getting old.
>
> I also experience some surging on off throttle/overrun that I though I had
> fixed with either cleaning the stepper motor or replacing the vacuum can
on
> the distributor. Could the slack in the chain be held accountable for
> causing the timing to fluctuate enough to create this surging?
>
> I will no doubt have to rebuild this engine in the next year or so, but if
> it is worth it, I will replace the timing set now.
>
> The next question would be which timing set? Do I spend the extra money
for
> a true roller? Is the timing set for a Buick 215 and/or '75 Skylark
Odd-fire
> V6 the same as my Rover V8?
>
> Also open to any BTDTs. I have the workshop manual, but assume it involves
> removing everything off the front of the engine before I can remove the
> timing cover. Do you have to drop the oil pan too? Is it worth while to
> remove the radiator for added work space? I'll probably start by taking
the
> front tires off as I can hardly reach into the engine bay.
>
> Thanks,
> Larry M.
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