Can you change the timing chain on a 1994 Saturn?
Changing the timing chain on a 1994 Saturn is a complicated process that only mechanics with some automotive-repair experience and engine component knowledge should attempt. The timing chain can be replaced in a few hours with the help of an assistant and a close eye when installing the sprockets and timing chain.
What’s the best way to change a timing chain?
Remove the bolt and washer in the center of the pulley. Put the bolt partially back in the bolt hole and use a harmonic balancer removal tool. The tool should not be a jaw type tool, but instead should apply all of the removal force to the center of the assembly. This protects the rubber ring in the harmonic balancer.
What are the bright links on a timing chain?
Locate marks or “bright” links in your timing chain. These links are brighter than the other links and are used to align your engine. Set your engine to top dead center. To get your engine to top dead center, line the bright links on the timing chain up with the marks on your camshaft and crankshaft gears.
How do you change the timing cover on a car?
Drive out the crankshaft seal with a hammer and punch. This is the rubber seal around the crankshaft and the timing cover. Tap the new crankshaft seal into the timing cover. The seal should be seated into the correct place on the timing cover. It will seal when the cover is bolted onto the engine. Coat the seal with oil.
When do I need to change my timing chain?
Should the timing chain need to be changed, replace any timing chain guides that are worn, any variable valve timing actuators or motors that are out of spec, and balance shaft chains. The labor cost to replace these parts is higher than the cost of the parts and replacing them at the same time as the timing chain can prevent future breakdowns.
Locate marks or “bright” links in your timing chain. These links are brighter than the other links and are used to align your engine. Set your engine to top dead center. To get your engine to top dead center, line the bright links on the timing chain up with the marks on your camshaft and crankshaft gears.
What should I replace my timing cover with?
While the timing cover and chain assembly is dismantled, you should consider replacing any additional components that may be problematic or on their way to failure. Common replacements may include a timing cover oil seal or even a new timing cover assembly.
How do you remove timing chain from Corvette?
The cover will most likely be stuck to the block by old gasket material and sludge. Gently pry the sides of the cover with a screwdriver or similar instrument. Using a crankshaft socket and a breaker bar, spin the motor in proper rotation to align the timing marks on the two sprockets.
Do you need an owner’s manual to change a timing chain?
Locate your owner’s manual. You will most likely need it to disassemble and reassemble various parts. Also verify that your model is equipped with a timing chain and not a timing belt. These two parts perform the same task, but replacing them can be quite different. This procedure is only for replacing a timing chain.
How do you change the timing cover on an engine?
Tap the new crankshaft seal into the timing cover. The seal should be seated into the correct place on the timing cover. It will seal when the cover is bolted onto the engine. Coat the seal with oil.
Why is the timing chain important to an engine?
The timing chain is a crucial piece of equipment that, when working properly, causes the valves to open and close at very specific intervals in relation to the position of your pistons for optimum operation of your engine.
Changing the timing chain on a 1994 Saturn is a complicated process that only mechanics with some automotive-repair experience and engine component knowledge should attempt. The timing chain can be replaced in a few hours with the help of an assistant and a close eye when installing the sprockets and timing chain.
When do you know to change the timing chain?
A timing chain runs inside the engine, as it needs to be lubricated by the engine oil. A timing belt typically needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and it’s a few hundred dollar repair. A timing chain doesn’t need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it.
How does a chain tensioner work on a timing chain?
A timing chain is kept under proper tension by a chain tensioner. A chain tensioner could be operated by a spring-loaded mechanism or oil pressure. Timing chain, tensioner and chain guides. See timing chain animation. Chain guides and silencers are used to keep the timing chain from vibrating. All these components wear too.
How do you install a timing chain cover?
Place the timing chain cover against the engine block and install the timing chain cover bolts with a torque wrench, tightening the lower-center bolt to 89 inch-pounds, the upper bolts to 22 foot-pounds and the other bolts to 19 foot-pounds.
When to replace the timing chain on your vehicle?
But there are differences. For one, timing belts need to be replaced periodically in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Timing chains do not require routine replacement and should last the life of the vehicle. There are also differences in design.
How do you change the timing chain on a water pump?
Remove the belt. Once tension is released, the belt should slide off of the other pulleys easily. Remove the heater hoses from the water pump. If your model has heater hoses attached to the water pump, loosen the hose clamps with a screwdriver and slide them back onto the hose. Wiggle the hose and pull it off of the water pump.
A timing chain is kept under proper tension by a chain tensioner. A chain tensioner could be operated by a spring-loaded mechanism or oil pressure. Timing chain, tensioner and chain guides. See timing chain animation. Chain guides and silencers are used to keep the timing chain from vibrating. All these components wear too.
How much should it cost to replace the timing chain?
Angie’s List recommends budgeting at least $500 to $900 if you’re simply replacing the timing chain for preventative purposes or more than $2,000 if the chain already broke.
How much to replace timing chains?
As for just the parts, again, depending on the car you drive, can range anywhere from $75 to $250. Typically, if you were to purchase a timing chain part at a local auto parts store, it will often be sold in a kit, including all of the necessary smaller parts to perform the repair.
When to replace a timing chain?
Most experts will recommend replacing your timing chain every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. In most cases, there will be no signs if a timing belt were going bad as mechanics will tell you it will just break.
How long does it take to change the timing chain?
In general, if the timing chain is replaced by a mechanic having all their replacement supplies and parts easily accessible, the job itself should not take more than 5 to 8 hours total.
Do you need to remove serpentine belt to change timing belt?
Remove the alternator belt. Depending on your model, you may need to remove the serpentine belt to get to the timing belt. Loosen the nuts, pushing the alternator if necessary to create slack on the belt and remove it.
What happens if your timing belt is broken?
The timing on the engine must be set exactly, or the valves and the pistons may collide, resulting in very expensive engine repairs. If your timing belt is broken, then make sure valve damage was not done before proceeding with the belt replacement.
Can a harmonic balancer be removed from a timing belt?
Determine if the harmonic balancer pulley needs to be removed to remove the timing belt cover. Often, the cover saddles over the end of the crankshaft, and this pulley will not allow you to remove the cover without first removing it.