Yes there are! I've seen valves bend quite easily too! Though it may not be common for the valves to bend or even the chain to break it can happen! usually the chain just slips a tooth or two causing a no-start condition.

I've replaced mine already once! It'* cheap insurance versus a new engine!

Yeah, I've heard of 89'* breaking (Vin C engine).

Should I be worried about this? :?:

Alrighty, well, its on the list....

I still am a little worried, thanks to my friend who brough it up. I just hope that if my chain breaks, it doesn't destroy the engine. That'* my biggest worry. I like this car toooooo much.

Can someone explain technically what "interference" vs. "free-wheeling" is. I think I have a pretty good idea still.

I know some of you have probably changed the timing chains yourself. Would you need a new tensioner with the chain? How much would it cost to get it done at a shop? $300-400?? And how hard is it do do yourself, beginner or not? I'd like to save $$ but at the same time I'd like to have it done right. Thanks

I was told its very labour intensive. Regarding my Code 41 repair...once they pull apart the engine they replace the magnet and then replace the timing chain and tensioner...

I was told 4 hrs labour

Anyone else wanna chip in? All I know is that Jr is the only one to replace his cam magnet/timing chain on his own...well sorta...

Well the chain didn't break on my 88 le but the timing gear was almost rounded off on one side. I guess they used a aluminum gear that was plastic coated. Sucked too cause it quit when I lived in a small town outside of Sioux Falls here. I had to have the car towed and when I got the gear and chain replaced it cost around 550-600 dollars if I remember. If I remember the car had about 125 k miles or so on it when the gear went south. Luckily none of the valves or anything else got screwed up by the gear going bad. It it a vin 3 engine so I don't know if they made it better in the future. The mechanic said he sees those gear go bad all the time. He replaced it with a stainless steel one and it hasn't gone bad yet.

Its getting done in 3 weeks. I was advised to take it back to the dealer, my mechanic gets all there parts from one dealer and he suggested that go there and mention his name. Maybe then they won't screw me for 7hrs of labour when they only do 3 hrs of real work.

The mech also told me that the chain breaking is a very rare thing, but it will be changed when the get in there and pull **** apart. I just want to get it over with and not see the SES light on anymore