cost ? timing chain replacement 1989 buick park avenue 6cyl 3.8

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marks542004@yahoo.com - 20 Dec 2007 21:22 GMT

Hi all,

I took my car in today because of the amount of noise it was making ,
thinking exhaust pipe shot, and was told the muffler was bad AND the
timing chain was bad , making lots of noise at idle.
Since the cars performance was very poor I am willing to believe that
( mechanic not good reputation but only one in area) . He quoted $400
for the job.

Since the timing chain seems to be about a $30 part, is about 6-7
hours labour ($50/hour) fair for this ?
Are there other parts that should be replaced at the same time . ?

The car was $500 at a local estate auction and has about 150,000
miles . I dont think spending that much is a waste since I know the
rest of the car was in good condition and I would rather fix it than
buy another cheap one .

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HLS - 20 Dec 2007 21:56 GMT

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> ( mechanic not good reputation but only one in area) . He quoted $400
> for the job.

Be careful.. I dont know what you mean by "( mechanic not good reputation
but
only one in area)". Get a second opinion by a mechanic whose reputation is
good in all areas. And I dont necessarily mean a dealership.

It takes time to put a timing chain in a car. He should examine the gears
for
wear, and the tensioner. He will also have to use new gaskets, and they are
not expensive, but not free either. I certainly dont think $400 is too high
if
needed parts are replaced and the job is done correctly.

Some GM engines threw off the magnetic valve gear position sensor easily.
The cars would still run, but it wasnt optimum, and might set check engine
lights.
If this applies to your car, I would want it replaced.

> Since the timing chain seems to be about a $30 part, is about 6-7
> hours labour ($50/hour) fair for this ?
> Are there other parts that should be replaced at the same time . ?

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boxing@sasktel.net - 20 Dec 2007 23:22 GMT

if the timing chain has jumped the compression will be low in all
cylinders. If the compression is good then it's not the timing chain.

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lugnut - 21 Dec 2007 03:29 GMT

>Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>rest of the car was in good condition and I would rather fix it than
>buy another cheap one .

The timing chains in that vintage were a weak point because
of the nylon encase cam sprocket. Failure was normal in the
100K + mileage range. The quoted price does not lok out of
line. I would ask that the timing set be replaced with
standard steel sprockets - not the OEM "silent" type. You
will have to listen very closely to tell the difference and
the all steel sprockets are much more durable. While the
work is being done, make sure the water pump and oil pump
are attended. Replace the WP - rebuild the OP. Also, make
sure the oil pan gasket is replaced with the later style
with a metal insert in the side rails. The originals were
notorious for failing and leaking oil all over the place.
Last one I bought was a Felpro costing about $35. Other
than those items, that engine is damn near bullet proof.
Once this is done it will probably wear out another car and
a couple of sawmills.

Lugnut

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