timing chain replacement ?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,305
Likes: 9
From: Weston FL
timing chain replacement ?
:( My freinds 78's timing chain went capute yesterday. As soon as we heard the noise under the engine (driving) we shut engine off not knowing what had occurred. My diagnosis is timing chain unfortunately.... no start, just cranks, plus the noise factor at the time :rolleyes:
Anyway, I am not sure I want to mess with it , last time I did a water pump job (pretty much the same when it comes to dissasembly all the stuff up front )... it took like 6-8 hrs at home :( ...
How much does it take a shop to do? Trying to figure out how many hours they would charge? 3 hrs sounds right with the right tools , and a professional mech... I am guessing.
Could any other damage have occured in there? Or once the chain goes all stops so no bent valves etc? or the opposite, once engine stops valves get bent and all hell falls apart in there? :bs :cry
thanks
Anyway, I am not sure I want to mess with it , last time I did a water pump job (pretty much the same when it comes to dissasembly all the stuff up front )... it took like 6-8 hrs at home :( ...
How much does it take a shop to do? Trying to figure out how many hours they would charge? 3 hrs sounds right with the right tools , and a professional mech... I am guessing.
Could any other damage have occured in there? Or once the chain goes all stops so no bent valves etc? or the opposite, once engine stops valves get bent and all hell falls apart in there? :bs :cry
thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: timing chain replacement ? (yosshimura)
I'm not sure what a shop would charge but there is a good chance some valves were bent. It would be smart to pull the heads and see if there are marks in the top of the pistons. A borescope or leakdown test may tell you something without removing the heads but they are not as definitive as a good visual inspection. This is a good opportunity to upgrade the cam.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: timing chain replacement ? (yosshimura)
Had a shop replaced one in a 79 olds, week after I got it back it spun a bearing (assuming from the LOUD squeeling from inside the eng), shop says must have got some nylon from the teeth in the oil pump, would not warranty it so i was out $400. :mad Moral: replace your oil pump if the gear had nylon teeth.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Re: timing chain replacement ? (burners)
:iagree: with Burners. Pull the heads and inspect for damage. I also agree that now would be the perfect time to upgrade to another cam. Good luck. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: timing chain replacement ? (Vette'78)
Is it really that difficult to replace your timing chain?
Make sure to rent/purchase a balancer puller and installer. There will be nylon in the pan if the chain failed as described. and yes it would be wise to check for bent valves. also a gear puller to get the bottom crank gear off.
A timing chain is not difficult to do, but you will want to take your time. I did mine about 5 years ago, it took about 6 hours with the right tools, I did not check the pan because the chain did not fail and the teeth were still there, the chain had merely stretched.
good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: timing chain replacement ? (yosshimura)
The job is time consuming, the first time around. After that, it's cake. You know, the whole "learning curve thing."
Just the same, if the friend does not need the car for awhile, I say "go for it." It'll surely be a great learning experience and will be a lot less expensive.
Just the same, if the friend does not need the car for awhile, I say "go for it." It'll surely be a great learning experience and will be a lot less expensive.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Re: timing chain replacement ? (yosshimura)
If a water pump is a problem for you let the timing set go to a local pro Yosi. :yesnod: And if greesy mechanical work is not your bag it would be benificial for you to seek out good local mechanics. Now the Chevy dealer would be the place to get a baseline estimate - to ensure another shop doesn't try to overbill you. Take a look at the nearest Corvette specialty shop as you will have more corvette work with time and use (and abuse).
Sometimes it take a few tries to find a trusy shop but we all need one sooner or later. :D
Happy hunting. :chevy
Sometimes it take a few tries to find a trusy shop but we all need one sooner or later. :D
Happy hunting. :chevy
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Tee Tops off all year FL
Re: timing chain replacement ? (cardo0)
In some of my other cars over the years they had timing belts that I replaced at 60K-70K miles. These cars have a timing chain with nylon teeth? Is there a mileage interval they should be changed at? Or generally good for 150K miles? or 30years? forever?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville GA
Re: timing chain replacement ? (fauxrs)
No but it is time consuming, should be done with proper tools and can take some time. If a water pump took as long as it took him, expect to take a whole weekend.
Make sure to rent/purchase a balancer puller and installer. There will be nylon in the pan if the chain failed as described. and yes it would be wise to check for bent valves. also a gear puller to get the bottom crank gear off.
A timing chain is not difficult to do, but you will want to take your time. I did mine about 5 years ago, it took about 6 hours with the right tools, I did not check the pan because the chain did not fail and the teeth were still there, the chain had merely stretched.
good luck
Make sure to rent/purchase a balancer puller and installer. There will be nylon in the pan if the chain failed as described. and yes it would be wise to check for bent valves. also a gear puller to get the bottom crank gear off.
A timing chain is not difficult to do, but you will want to take your time. I did mine about 5 years ago, it took about 6 hours with the right tools, I did not check the pan because the chain did not fail and the teeth were still there, the chain had merely stretched.
good luck
[Modified by Vette'78, 3:26 AM 2/12/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: timing chain replacement ? (Dk Met Grn 80 L82)
In some of my other cars over the years they had timing belts that I replaced at 60K-70K miles. These cars have a timing chain with nylon teeth? Is there a mileage interval they should be changed at? ...
Roller timing set, cam & intake all at once rec. as soon as you buy the car.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Tee Tops off all year FL
Re: timing chain replacement ? (Ganey)
Mine has 107,000 miles so I guess it is time. Sounds like something I will have to add to the list for this summer. Should I change the water pump at the same time since I will have all of the front stuff off already?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Brandon FL
Re: timing chain replacement ? (yosshimura)
This web site helped with my cam/chain replacement project. http://www.bokonon.net/corvette/cam1.html
[Modified by Ric's80_4sp, 10:29 PM 2/12/2004]
[Modified by Ric's80_4sp, 10:29 PM 2/12/2004]
