Timing belt inspection

[Ted Wong]

Hello:

I've got about 110K miles on the original timing chain. Is there a
relatively trivial way to inspect the chain, or to diagnose it for
wear? Judging from the Chilton repair manual, opening up the engine and
doing a visual inspection is quite an involved procedure, especially
for an amateur driveway mechanic.

Thanks,

Ted
1996 Black-Gold SC2

 

[Tom The Great]

Hello:

I've got about 110K miles on the original timing chain. Is there a
relatively trivial way to inspect the chain, or to diagnose it for
wear? Judging from the Chilton repair manual, opening up the engine and
doing a visual inspection is quite an involved procedure, especially
for an amateur driveway mechanic.

Thanks,

Ted
1996 Black-Gold SC2

imho:

It was my understanding it you followed the oil change every 3k miles
the chain should last the life of the engine.

tom @ www.YourMoneyMakingIdeas.com

 

[James1549]

Ted, Most Saturn timing chains I have known to go bad, always get
noisey before they actually could cause any damage. There are
exceptions I am sure.

Mine has 120K on it and I don't plan on any replacement until I can
hear it slapping around. I change my oil every 4K and so far so good.
My fathers chain got noisey around 150K and he had it changed. I
wanted to change it myself for him but it was winter time and he
couldn't afford to have his car down for a few days.

James

 

[marx404]

Ted, you will never have to look at that timing chain, it is basically a
lifetime self adjusting stainless steel belt with self adjusting tensioners.
The only Saturns that have belts that do need to be adjusted are the 1st
generation VUE V6 and L series with V6, they used a caddilac engine with a
rubber/kevlar belt that does need changing. All other Saturns have steel
timing chains that never need adjustment unless they fail. Change your oil
every 3K miles and keep the car tuned up and happy driving.

marx404

 

[BläBlä]

Ted, you will never have to look at that timing chain, it is basically a
x x x x steel *chain* with a* self adjusting tensioner*.
The only Saturns that have belts that do need to be *replaced* are the 1st
generation VUE and L series with V6, they used a *OPEL* engine with a
rubber/kevlar belt that does need changing. All other Saturns have steel
timing chains that never need adjustment unless they fail. Change your oil
every 3K miles and keep the car tuned up and happy driving.

marx404

I made some corrections to your post and you also forgot to mention the
belt in the current 3.5L Vue's...


110K miles isn't nothing to worry about with regular oil changes and if
the engine was/is always kept topped off with oil. However replace all
of it with a new timing kit right away if it ever starts making noise.

New & Improved OEM Timing Chain Kits
SOHC - 21008552 - $145.00 Est
DOHC - 21008553 - $170.00 Est

 

[Ted Wong]

OK. I've changed the oil in the engine religiously at 3K miles, so I
don't expect to have any problems.

Thanks,

Ted
1996 Black-Gold SC2