Was wondering if the 1988 Vin C 3800 engine was a clearence engine in that if the timing chain breaks will the valves hit the pistons. Anybody had any experience with a chain break in any 3800 engine. Also wondering about the newer series II and III 3800 engines also.

Thanks

No my engine did not jump time, I have 240,000 on my 1988 3800 Vin C engine and am kinda (well a big time) miser and have been putting off replacing the timing chain. Whats the most miles you have seen on a 3800 with the original timing chain? Thanks for your reply.

Tensioner is designed to minimise the effect but as the chain stretches, the cam is retarded, can regain anywhere from 5-15 hp by replacing a stretched chain.

That said modern oils and roller lifterd drastically reduce chain wear and if you rearely exceed 3500-4000 rpm they can go a long time. OTOH lots of WOT and near redline shifts will hasten. YMMV.

BTW the tensioner change was between model year 88 and 89.

Would replacing the timing chain have an advantage for any high mileage 3.8 that still has the original chain?

Peace of mind, Maybe get the timing a little closer.


It'* interference engine BTW....

I have gotten 2 different answers on the Vin C engine being an interference engine. Anybody care to break the tie.

Guess that it is and replace the timing chain.

I have heard of the timing chains breaking on the 88 MY without the problems experienced by the interference engine, however we need to verify this.

How much to replace the chain, and what about the sprockets? This sounds like a good idea, since i'm already planning on rebuilding the top end on my baby. Oh yeah, how can you tell if it has jumped time? Sorry for hijacking the post.. not too far off topic .


-justin

hmm.. not bad, cheap insurance, because as soon as I touch something, it seems it breaks. Another thing to add to "my list" of things the car needs.


-justin