My mother has picked up a 1993 Magna 2.6 that's done only 71,000km. I have no idea if/when the timing chain should be replaced. I can't even find a recommendation in the operator's manual or the workshop manual. I know that will only be a rough guide, because timing chain wear is a function of age as well as mileage, but still ...

I don't want her to suffer a major, expensive breakdown, but I don't want her to spend all that money before it is necessary, just on a hunch.

Should I get her to get it done soon?
Are there any reliable indicators of the need to change the timing chain?


Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks

Does it rattle??

It's not like the rubber belt that has a recommended replacement interval, if it needs attention you will hear it rattling at idle

It rattles when you start the engine, for maybe 3 or 4 seconds. Nothing apart from that.

Wait till one of the more knowledgable people come and give advice but it sounds like it's just doing what they all do, if it's a genuine 71,000km it should be fine and that's hell of a low mileage for it's age

It's usually around 100,000Km limit when they get changed, most rattle on start up briefly - could also need a thicker oil.

Keep an eye on it, if the rattle gets worse change it, check the wear, every car is different and the more its used (the car) the quicker things go - depending on how well things are looked after - so theres alot of factors to consider


Search the forums also:
http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/search.php?searchid=899855


http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40021&highlight=timing+chain

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41857&highlight=timing+chain

Thanks. Those should keep me busy.

Where do you pick up one of those?- Bachelor of Science (Criminal Justice)

Service at 100,000 says Timing Chain needs to be replaced (well in my car manual anyway)

to do the timing chain need a lot of bolts to be undone 35 plus
and is difficult with the engine in 4 hours work mimimum

chain kits are about $130 including guides no cogs

this engine was quiet yet look at the guides adjustment out to the max

I have seen timming chain work done poorly in workshops etc

are you wanting to do this yourself
I can pm you proccedure
http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44422

Word of advice, if you do not know what you are doing get it done! BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO!!! kempowen can attest to this.

If you have a slight rattle at start up and that is it, do not worry too much. If you start getting rattle at idle then get it done.

As for replacement at 100K this is a recommendation and I personally would ignore this.

The best and most relaible way is to remove the motor, this gives you proper access and allows those pesky steele welsch plugs to also be replaced.

I thought chains lasted 250000ks?

I think I'd go with Madmagna on this and pull the motor out....it must be beyond difficult to do it in place, access on the timing side is so restricted.

It's a fiddly job even on a Sigma where it's actually possible to get at things ,so I'm surprised it's achievable on a Magna.

Is this work normally done with the motor in? :confused:

Normally is done engine in, in the early TR there is a hole that needs to be drilled throught he rail to get one of the front bracket bolts out, there was actually a mits service buliten about this years ago. In the later TR and TS there was a hole there on the inside rail put there by Mits as they saw the err of their ways.

Have done them engine in, the first gen is actually easier but not by much.

this is after you undo all the bolts timing pully sump air con and support bracket
alternator, power steering pump, rocker cover, engine mounts , coolant ,wiring dissy,timing cover / cv joints if you want to take the engine out exhaust pipes
50 bolts + then you start doing the chains

add your experience

moving on to page 2

last page

Thanks for the info guys.

While we're on this subject do you reckon the sprockets should be replaced along with chains & tensioners after distances like 200K+ km. Doesn't get much of a mention that I know of ,but kits for some vehicles come with chains,sprockets etc.
They must have taken a beating just like the other bits. Experience with bikes tells me that worn sprockets and new chains don't work too well, tend to be clunky and jump teeth.
I guess with 4 sprockets it could start to get expensive.
What's the opinion on this one ?

sprockets can wait till a full engine rebuild
you would fit a new oil pump at that time ...new pistons etc

seen some sprockets 300000 k + and look ok

depends on engine being cooked or oil pressure problems

matter of preference

bilkes have smaller internal chains and higher revs
the outside drive chains exposed to road grit dirt and dust mud

Speaking of which im 100% sure mine needs replacing but its so damn expensive and i aint gonna do it myself.. no way in hell. 215 000kms with hardcore rattling. anyone know of a decent place in brizzy thats reliable AND cheap? cheapest ive been quoted is $800 labour :doubt: