2.4 Timing Chain Lifespan

[thehemi]

The wife has a '96 GA SE 2.4 with 91K.
Runs like a champ. Pretty recent water
pump and alternator (under warranty).

How long should I expect a timing chain
to last on this engine? I believe that it
is a "no clearance" engine, so the game
is over if it ever fails.

Assuming that I probably have no plan
to keep it beyond 120-140K can I most
likely assume it should last that long?

[Hot_Stud18]

If you are talking about a timing belt they should last quite a while, we have a 99 cavalier with 91k miles and the belt has never been replaced, but you should check the belt every now and then and if it has more than 4 cracks per inch it probably should be a good idea to have it replaced.

[Greed4Speed]

Timing belts are recommended changed at 60k miles, but IMO that depends on how quick you get to 60k miles. I'd go 100k tops, keeping an eye on it. If you wait too long and break it, you'd be looking at even more $ to repair the bent valves.

Now if you are truly referring to a timing chain. It should last the life of your engine. Not the word SHOULD. I've never seen a chain break. Not that they couldn't.

[Gramp's GT]

Don't GA's have a timing chain and not a timing belt??

[thehemi]

The '96 Grand Am SE (2.4) has a CHAIN.

[Molson]

Originally posted by Greed4Speed
Timing belts are recommended changed at 60k miles, but IMO that depends on how quick you get to 60k miles. I'd go 100k tops, keeping an eye on it. If you wait too long and break it, you'd be looking at even more $ to repair the bent valves.

Now if you are truly referring to a timing chain. It should last the life of your engine. Not the word SHOULD. I've never seen a chain break. Not that they couldn't.


Not break often. but stretch, and clang, and chatter, etc etc.

[Gimli]

I had a chain break on my old '85 Dodge Diplomat. Cost me a whopping $125 to replace at a mechanic friend of mine :D

At the time the car was 11 years old and had 135k km.

[swilli41]

You're right that the 2.4 has a no clearance engine. I'm in the process of replacing a water pump which is driven by the timing chain. Had to replace the chain due to stiff links and the car only has 65k. Not a fun job!