Minivan timing chain

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Pat - 07 Jun 2005 15:01 GMT

I've got a 1987 minivan with around 250k miles on it and am wondering how
much longer I can expect the timing chain to last. Anyone have an idea?

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Bruce L. Bergman - 07 Jun 2005 16:42 GMT

>I've got a 1987 minivan with around 250k miles on it and am wondering how
>much longer I can expect the timing chain to last. Anyone have an idea?

As far as I know, it all depends on how religious you were with the
oil changes - the better the environment, the longer the life. But as
a rule timing chains get sloppy and make noise long before they fail -
a good mechanic knows that sound and will tell you when it needs
service.

--<< Bruce >>--

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Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
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Hachiroku - 07 Jun 2005 22:54 GMT

>>I've got a 1987 minivan with around 250k miles on it and am wondering how
>>much longer I can expect the timing chain to last. Anyone have an idea?
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> --<< Bruce >>--

Yeah, it makes a sort of rasping/rattling noise, esp right at start up.

Actually, right around 250,000 is just about where you really want to
think about it. Not as much for the chain (although it probably IS
stretching) but more for the chain guides. These have a tendancy to break
down right about where you are right now. If you do your own oil changes,
keep an eye out for plastic chunks in the oil. If you have them done, ask
whoever it is to strain the oil on the way out to look for chunks. Once
the guides are gone, you might as well replace the chain...the chain is
about $35-50 for the part, and only about another hour/hour and a half
labor, since you're in there anyway...

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