Hi guys, bit of advice needed here for a 1990 TP EFI:

I was getting paranoid about my timing chain (140k on it) so I decided to call my mechanic and ask him how much it would be. He reckoned around $800 all up but only to bother doing it when it was making noise ALL of the time, not just on startup. He also said that even after they replace the chain and guides/tensioners, they sometimes still make noise. Usually the solution is to use an oil additive called moreys which coats the guides and makes the chain run smoother.

Anyway that was kind of interesting and a bit of a load off my mind so I asked about my oil light coming on and off at random intervals. The guy said that it could be quite serious because lack of oil pressure can be a sign of premature wear/problems in the big end and/or crank bearings. So now im quite freaked out about the fate of my engine.

I read most of my workshop manual without finding a reference to the oil light and what could make it go on and off (short of a faulty sensor which I will investigate in the next few days). My other thought could be a dirty/clogged oil pickup screen. Has anyone had a case of the oil light coming on and off? What was the solution?

Oh and yes I HAVE CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL haha.

Thanks guys.

I remember in the TS I had when the timing chain snapped at about 160. Yes yes i know i should have changed it along time ago but i was short on funds those days and was on the to do list.

Anyway it ended up screwing up the head, not cool.

Also Mitsiman is right you can often get second hand motors cheaper than 800 :D

Ok thanks alot guys, what youve both said makes alot of sense. My first port of call is going to be some places to get a second hand engine. I have read some bad stories about reconditioned engines and the possible nightmares they can become so I was wondering about some engine buying tips:

*What can I ask/look for to minimize the risk of getting another motor with a buggered timing chain or big end troubles or a bad head etc?
*How much should the place charge to install and how big a job is it to undertake the old to new swap?
*How can you be sure the engines have done X amount of ks?
*And any particular places in Brisbane I can check out other than looking through the yellow pages?

I really appeciate the help guys... its so much better going into these situations with a few wise words from people in the know - that and a few quality hours with my gregorys manual.

When it comes to second hand engines its pretty much a punt, although there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk.

First step is to call around and find who has them, for how much and where etc. 2.6 Astrons are nearly everywhere and you can often get a transmission thrown in for $100, believe me you can i've done it.

Try and buy from a wrecker with a good repuation. There is no sure way of getting what you pay for, there are only ways to minimise your risk of buying a dud.

A lot of wreckers can actually get the motor running if you make prior arrangements, this lets you hear it in action but they will run without a proper exhuast so it will sound mighty different. If the motor is still in the car then they can most probobly do it. If it is then check the odo reading on the car.

If you can't get it running ask them to drain the oil or do it yourself (pack your tools). Make sure the oil isn't a milky colour and totally black. Smell the oil and if it smells burnt walk away. Remove the oil filter and look for any metal particles. Remove the spark plugs and look for any heavy buildup on the tips which would be an indication of the motor burning oil. Ask for a compression test to be carried out on the motor. This will be the best indication of the motors condition

Try and look for oil leaks around gaskets and joins in the block. If the motor is already pulled from the car this makes it easier however you'll have to rely on the wreckers to give you an indication on the odo. If they don't know or your not sure offer them 200 and don't be tempted to think that its a bargain. Don't let them try and make you belive that getting these motors is rare and that if you don't buy this one you'll never get one. BS! lol They are everywhere.

Im not a mechanic but my advice is from personal experiance. The good thing about this is you can allways keep ur old motor for parts. A spare head, etc is a very handy thing.

Best of luck.

Ok Im now tossing up between a reconditioned motor and trading in for a TE. In the first gen forums a few people have mentioned 1200 for a reconditioned motor as a decent price.

Any names for reliable reconditioned motor places in Brisbane?

Cheers.

call me old fashioned but i like to stick to my engines, everyones so eager to chuck em out and just replace them. I started getting a noise from my timing chain, and what i did was replace it, $150 and a weekend, and the satisfaction you've done a job well done :D

well hey... im doing mine. $220 for the kit (no gears). this includes all guides, all tensioners, both chains and all the gaskets plus a few other bits and pieces. u could get decent engine crane for $350 (the fella that took my engine out just last week got one from supercheap with 4 weight settings... 300kg, 600kg, 900kg and 1200kg. we used the 300kg setting to lift my engine out.) but yeah, thats ur engine out with a timing chain kit. i got my gasket kit for $80. thats $650 to get ur timing chain done urself and u also have an engine crane u could even sell off again afterwards. and this way, u actually learn a whole lot more and have the satisfaction to know that u did it urself.

i've also read that if u replace ur timing chain u should seriously look into getting a new oil pump. there were examples of cars that had their timing chain replaced and were back in the shop with the same timing chain noise after 10,000km or so. it was a full article and it talked about the oil pump causing problems with the timing chain. dammit i cant find the link. well here is 1 link, its not the one i was after but it talks about the oil pump aswell...

timing chain (http://www.robbos.com.au/myweb/Tech_Timing.htm)


The oil pump should also be inspected for wear as low oil pressure is often the cause of timing chain and gear failure, particularly where the tensioner is controlled by oil pressure. This is particularly so in some Mitsubishi Magna and Sigma vehicles where premature failure of the timing componentry is usually traced to a worn oil pump.

something major to think about :confused:

Well my problem was actually in the form of a busted oil sender unit. I borrowed an oil pressure gauge, and low and behold my oil pressure was very healthy. $20 later for a new unit and no problems.

But in all my musings I came to the conclusion that yep, it is far better to tackle the job yourself, spend your hard earned money on tools and things you need and use your brain to fix these problems. I fixed my wiper motor and aircon fan yesterday and its given me a new outlook on car problems - much better to do stuff yourself.

After reading my manual, if you had a buggered oil pump, it could also make your timing chain noisy just like TM-SE-RED said. Someone on the first gen forums mentioned getting an upgraded oil pump but I was thinking surely you couldnt get one that would just fit on... Or at least have the chain tensioner built in and all that.

Anyways, im happy that theres such good knowledge on these forums, and also that I dont have to tackle this problem yet!