Timing Chain

[Redog]

OK. I have the 3400 motor and was wondering when would be a good time to change out the timing chain?

I had a belt go in my Nova way back in 95 and bent a valve in the process. I had the chain changed in my Cougar at 69,000 because my mech worked at a Mercury dealership and said the chains went regliously at 70,000. I also know the 1st gen Interpids went at 60,000

I want to do it as a PM job, so does anybody know the magic number for the 3400?

[3.4Alero]

Haynes Manual doesn't even list it as a regular maintenance item, but I believe I've heard people say to use 100,000 miles any more as the marker.

[Redog]

100,000!!!

That's cool :smokin:

[jamcllw]

I wouldn't worry about bending a valve on a pushrod motor. Most engines that bend a valve are interference engines. Interference engines are 1's that the valves go past TDC during intake and exhaust. The 3400 is not an interference engine so you don't have to worry about bending a valve if the timing chain breaks. If you really feel you have to change the timing chain more power to you but it seem that it is going to be a fairly difficult job.

[Redog]

OK this is good to know.

I know it's a hard job to do, but I wasn't going to do it. I'd pay for a job of that level. Plus I don't have all the tools :wacko:

[overdrive75]

Yeah I wouldn't worry about it, my dad has customers with the 3100 and the 3400 that have just under as well as just over 200,000 miles with the only problem being LIM gaskets once in each vehicle.