Ok, I am looking at an 1985 Lincoln Town Car. I was told it ran when they got it, but now it doesn't. Their mechanic said it looks like it needs a timing chain. How difficult is this and how costly would it be?

The rest of the car is decent with 2-3 small rust spots, but nothing bad. I can get the car for $200 for sure, but I was going to try to get them down to $150. Does it sound worth it for a daily driver?

I'd be afraid of it if the chain broke and now it won't start. I think it would be an interference motor.

Meaning it fhe chain breaks..the pistons hit the valves.

That was my exact initial thought too. Most Ford engines are.

I'd be concerened about broken or bent valves.

What'* an interference motor?

Basically, the valves open beyond the head, into the cylinder bore when the piston is in the down stroke.

and if the timing chain that turns the cam in sync with the crankshaft breaks..the camshaft no longer gets driven and stops. Where ever the valves on the camshaft lobes happen to be. The crank..still turns and moves the pistons..

Say a valve is open on cylinder number 3 and the chain breaks. That valve stays where it is...open and sticking into the cylinder. The piston then comes up and WHAM!!!

Time to take off the heads and spend a lot of money.

In addition to spending a lot of money on the heads and valve job, there'* also a possibility that the top of the piston is scored or even have a hair line crack. When the timing chain snaps you're better off with a new/used engine.

Luckily, most GM engines aren't designed this way.

Well, I don't think it is broken, I think it slipped. And it wasn't run after. The guy drove it home and then when he went out the next morning to go, it wouldn't start.

yeah when I think of those I think of LEAKING elc, those cars can get REALLY low in the back when the elc fails

Impact = slippage + trying to start