Is there a recommended interval, based on mileage or time, where the timing chain should be replaced on a stock '88 GT? Car is running fine, but I want to make sure I'm keeping up with any recommended scheduled maintenance. I looked in the "search" topics and couldn't find any reference.
My 87 GT had the orig. chain up until approx. 215k. Only reason that I replaced it was because I had to re-seal the timing cover. There was play in the chain, but not too bad.
Every 2.8 that we've owned...both FWD, RWD, carbureted, and EFI has lasted well over 200k without "mechanical" engine troubles. Of course, everything else associated with the engines, especially gaskets, required repair
As far as I know, there is no specific interval for timing chain replacement. Since it's not an interference engine, it's not a big issue. Just replace it when it gets loose, and you're good to go.
as I remember, the recommended interval was between 50 and 75 thousand miles, not that's not to say they go much further, but the longer you let it go, the more likely you are to have one snap. most don't get replaced until they snap because people are too lazy to pull the waterpump and front cover to get at it.
------------------ we're in desperate need of a little more religion to nurse your god-like point of view...
as I remember, the recommended interval was between 50 and 75 thousand miles, not that's not to say they go much further, but the longer you let it go, the more likely you are to have one snap. most don't get replaced until they snap because people are too lazy to pull the waterpump and front cover to get at it.
Maybe it's not laziness - maybe they just don't want to replace things unnecessarily. The replacement chain(s) may fail before the original would have if left in place. Original parts are frequently better than aftermarket parts.
Maybe it's not laziness - maybe they just don't want to replace things unnecessarily. The replacement chain(s) may fail before the original would have if left in place. Original parts are frequently better than aftermarket parts.
there's a big difference between failure point and useful life. as the chains age, they stretch, as they stretch, the lose accuracy, which effects both valve timing, and ignition timing. prime example, your spark plugs still produce spark, the engine still runs, why replace them? you replace them not because they have failed, but because they are no longer performing how they originally were.
while you aren't wrong about replacement parts possibly failing before OE parts, there's a reason why there are different tiers of replacement parts available, cheap crappy parts that fail more often, to NOS parts that are identical to the OE component, and last about the same, to some high end aftermarket parts which exceed OE standards.
[This message has been edited by ericjon262 (edited 01-26-2014).]
Spark plugs & timing belts usually have specified replacement intervals in the service manuals whereas chains don't.
Timing chains are more likely to be regarded as lifetime parts like crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, rings, camshafts, valves & valve train parts etc. Performance may diminish over time due to the wear of all of these but the typical driver won't notice the difference in their daily driving.
While any of those components could, and have failed, few people would replace them prior to failure based on normal wear.
