DIY Timing Chain Replacement

[BlueDog]

Has anyone every replaced the timing chain (94 SL2) themselves? Is it a real PIA or worth doing yourself?

If you've done this yourself please post any tips techniques.

[Qlara]

That really depends if you have enough: Time, Space (garage?) and Tools to do it.

T-chain change is doable at home, but not like other routine car maintenance stuff. And btw, why you think you need to change the T-chain soon? Noise? Mileages?

You can look for most changing procedures from Chilton book first, then decide to DIY or leave it to Saturn professional instead.

Sometimes a job is worth paying for someone to do, all others you can always DIY.

[BlueDog]

Well, I have the time, space, and most of the tools, it's just the knowledge in this task I'm lacking. I'm sure there will be a specialty tool somewhere I don't have. I've done alternators, power steering pumps and other such things on the car. I agree that it usually something worth paying the Saturn tech for. My reasoning is this, since I've bought a new car. This time I went out of the family and bought an Audi. (Why, I didn't stay with Saturn for a 3rd time is for another thread.) So, the Saturn is now my second car. Since October I've been working on getting it back in road worth condition. New catalytic converter, complete new exhaust, now )2 sensor, remachines the manifold, new front rotors and pads...etc. you get the point. It's alot of money for a secondary car.

Anyway, the timing chain is the original with 200,000 miles on it. Last time I had it at the dealer they told me it could use a new one, especially with that kind of mileage. With the money I've put in so far, I'd hate to run it only to break the chain and then start looking for a new motor.

[SleeperSC2]

BlueDog--

I believe the two most important tools a DIYer can possess are patience and common sense. Those two will take you a long way in getting your repair done. And if you find yourself at a point where you're doubting the next step, call the Saturn service near you and ask questions about it.

Todd

[eRic 02sc2]

don't forget the Saturn factory service manuals.

[Qlara]

I think the hardest part in the T-Chain job is crack out the Main Crank Pulley nut. The Chain itself is govened by the tensioner which you may need a new one.

The rest should be simple, though tedious since there's so many little bolts to be loosen for the Chain cover. Oh, don't forget good sealant too! (I suggest Saturn's OEM sealant, when you buy the Chain and stuff from Parts Dept)

Of course, good Chilton or Saturn Service manuals (if available!)

[BlueDog]

I think my next step will be to get it through safety inspection then determine on whether or not to tackle this project myself. I've let the inspection lapse since I bought my Audi, so I can drive the Saturn down to the dealer to get checked out. Thanks.

[auditude]

Originally posted by BlueDog
My reasoning is this, since I've bought a new car. This time I went out of the family and bought an Audi.

Hey BlueDog,

What Audi did you get?

I've got the following currently:

'88 5kcstq running 1.8bar w/eurolights and sport interior
'85 4ksq, turbo swap project
'86 Coupe GT, recent purchase
'87 5kt, turbo motor donor
'94 SL2

Later,

Ken

[BlueDog]

The 86 GT sounds cool! Is it a quattro? I'm thinking about looking for one of the early UrQs.

I bought a 2001 A4 1.8T quattro/tiptronic. I absolutly love the car!

You hang out on AudiWorld? My screen name is the same there. If not you should check it out. http://www.audiworld.com