Timing chain
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 10-19-2013
Posts: 419
From: Dallas Texas
Timing chain
I found an HHR for sale that needs a timing chain. What are the odds that the engine is already damaged? How can I tell if valves and pistons have already collided or if it is really just a timing chain? I am hoping for an quick easy way to tell before I purchase, not try to remove the front cover and find top dead center in this guys driveway.
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,512
From: California
I don't think there is an easy way.
If the chain has slipped, but is still on, the valves won't be fully closed when they should be. Compression and leak down tests will show leakage even if the valves aren't bent.
If the chain is off, you can't do a compression test. I guess you could remove the valve cover, and manually turn the camshafts to close the valves for the cylinders you would be leak down testing.
Not really a quick and easy test.
If the chain has slipped, but is still on, the valves won't be fully closed when they should be. Compression and leak down tests will show leakage even if the valves aren't bent.
If the chain is off, you can't do a compression test. I guess you could remove the valve cover, and manually turn the camshafts to close the valves for the cylinders you would be leak down testing.
Not really a quick and easy test.
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,721
From: Alabama
If the price is right, then you could just go ahead and buy it. Doing your own repair work ? Timing chain parts and extras will be a couple hundred $. If you have to replace the engine, $1000 or less should get you a good used one.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
X2 for FMG’s suggestions, sometimes you have to roll the dice, and you’ll be lucky with just a chain replacement or not do lucky and drop in a used engine, if the body and rest of it is in great shape plunk in a new long block , and drive it!
Senior Member
Joined: 02-01-2006
Posts: 1,471
From: lockport,ny
How do you know it needs a timing chain?
I assume the seller is saying that it needs the chain.
If so, then did he say it needs it because it stopped running? Or because it set a code? Or because it was noisy?
The answer will go a long way to determining if there is engine damage.
Steve
I assume the seller is saying that it needs the chain.
If so, then did he say it needs it because it stopped running? Or because it set a code? Or because it was noisy?
The answer will go a long way to determining if there is engine damage.
Steve
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
How do you know it needs a timing chain?
I assume the seller is saying that it needs the chain.
If so, then did he say it needs it because it stopped running? Or because it set a code? Or because it was noisy?
The answer will go a long way to determining if there is engine damage.
Steve
I assume the seller is saying that it needs the chain.
If so, then did he say it needs it because it stopped running? Or because it set a code? Or because it was noisy?
The answer will go a long way to determining if there is engine damage.
Steve
Senior Member
Joined: 02-01-2006
Posts: 1,471
From: lockport,ny
If the owner says it needs a chain because it sets the code or is noisy, then he should have no problem starting it up so you can hear it.
If he says it won't run, then I would assume there is some damage and needs a new engine.
Steve
If he says it won't run, then I would assume there is some damage and needs a new engine.
Steve
