220k (ish) miles! Need some advice!

[abiteman]

So my 87' L6 is at around 220k miles... (odometer is broken) and was wondering first, what can really go wrong if the timing chain breaks. And second, the best place to get a replacement timing chain! Hoping to keep this baby on the road for awhile! thanks!

[EuroGeorge]

So my 87' L6 is at around 220k miles... (odometer is broken) and was wondering first, what can really go wrong if the timing chain breaks. And second, the best place to get a replacement timing chain! Hoping to keep this baby on the road for awhile! thanks!

Nothing really. Except your valves and pistons will try to occupy the same space. Maybe a hole or 2 in a piston. Bent valves?

Parts to do the chain...probably $200? or less? This includes chain, guides, tensioner and gaskets. Try AutohausAZ.

[abiteman]

Not nearly as bad as I thought haha, so at this point, would you suggest replacing it? Considering it probably hasn't been done in it's 220k life?

[mauryc]

The guides are more the issue than the chain, IMO. Just Google "Jesus Nut" before you tackle this task. Make sure you have the proper equipment/strength/moxy to handle.

Maury

[dm635]

I know of an '89 with well over 300K. The driver is not exactly light on the throttle.

[BimmermeScotty]

I have a 86 635csi that I got cheap because the prior owner let run with bad timing chain guides for almost 2 years. You could hear it clanking in the front of the engine very loudly towards the end. The chain jumped a couple of teeth and now it has 50 lbs compression in each cylinder. Luckily it has not hit the valves on the pistons.

[abiteman]

Good to hear on the 300k! I wouldn't consider myself light on the throttle either... eh, what're you gonna do, I'm a teenager! haha, thanks for the help guys