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[David Geesaman]

<I meant to finish this thought.>

So if you're changing the timing chain as a matter of maintenance, IMO
it's a waste. If you're going down that road, it makes more sense to
start with things that do fail in practice: CV boots, wheel bearings, a
full transmission rebuild, a clutch job, steering components, etc. In
fact, I don't think having a new timing chain adds ANY value to the car.
Oh, and the owner's manual agrees.
Any dealership claiming it needs done at 100k is lying to their
customers. So Anthony, your service manager needs a punch in the gut, IMO.

Dave

[Justin Sane]

[Guest]

If they last forever then why replace one in a1976 small block 350? And
if what you are saying is true that they do last forever then he should
not buy this car because if must of had some problems if it was
replaced. The repair manual for my car says to never change the fuel
filter i guess that sounds good to me if its what the manual says even
if it is an external fuel filter. It also says to replace the timing
chain in my 1997 302 every 60K miles. Must just be ford trying to get
me to spend more money. But if that was the case then why not the
filter?? And if you are already replacing the tensioner why not the
chain only a little more money for added security. You already paid the
tech to go in that far why not do the job right. Also just because
something is made of steel does not mean it can not break or wear and
become loose. With this made of steel theory lasting forever then
suspension springs should last forever and never break. Also what is
the point of aligments? To help compensate for springs wearing. I was
just trying to help the guy out as to not get screwed and have a shit
load of problems come at him like I see what happens to people everyday
right after they buy a car in good condition and told all repairs have
been done at the dealership.

[Guest]

One last thing I dont know these guys but did find on the web please
read before responding.
http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1999/April/01.html

[JimV]

[TheBlackFrog]

I agree trying to get that timeing chain replacment job is just someones plan to
get some extra Christmas money to spend.

[TheBlackFrog]

If someone is really going to have their engine taken apart thats the time
to replace the needed or even some parts that have not wornout. It's the
labor cost that eats you alive the parts are only a small part of the cost.
Why take a chance on a $50 or $150 part failing later and then having to
have the engine removed and rebuilt again because you did not want to spend
the money the first time it was being rebuilt. I know many who have done
this very thing. I even tell my lawn mower repair guy to not worry about
the cost of replacing a few bearings that are still ok when he is already
inside the engine. It's his shops labor at $65 per. hour that is the real
deal not a few $15 bearings.