I was mentioning some idling and hesitation problems to my friend and he brought up the timing belt. I know this should be changed but doubt this is the problem right now. But since he brought it up, has anyone replaced theirs? I have 112,000 miles and it most likely wasn't changed before I bought it at 96,000.

Does anyone know what kind of signs/syptoms I'd notice if I needed it changed, and how much this would cost to have done? My friend who mentioned this has an Accord and said to change his belt, the entire engine had to be taken out! What kind of labor would I be paying for? I know it'* a lot, but how hard is it to change them in our 3800? Thanks for the help.

Well first off YOU DON'T HAVE A BELT! You've got a Timing Chain! A chain will last about 100,000 - 150,000 km before it needs to be changed. It'* about 3 hours labour by the book too. There isn't any real way to check it unless you pull the oil pan off & look up to see how much slack is in the chain or if there is bits of plastic in the oil pan.

Could you convert that100,000 - 150,000 km to miles for us Yanks, please. I have been wondering about mine at 102,000 miles

I think the older Bonnevilles (pre-92) used to have more problems with the timing chains. The one on my 89 had to be replaced and I talked to a few others who had them break.

I haven't heard of one breaking on a 92-99 Bonny yet, but I suppose it'* possible. I still have the original on mine (137,000 miles).

First off....100 000 kms = 62 137, 150 000 kms = 93 205 miles

I have yet to hear of a problem with the timing chain on any chain driven vehicle, but I'm sure they do fail. I was told that when I evantually (if ever) fix my Code 41 Cam position problem, then be default they change the timing chain.

Sorry, I knew it'* a chain, I was just up till 7am and had a brain fart. This site is an addiction.

Anyway, if the chain broke would it cause any other damage in the engine. This guy said it would ruin the whole engine if it did break, but I don't think I believe that.

I don't think they are. You just have to get the chain replaced when it breaks.

The service manual does not call for its replacement at regular intervals.

Damn I hope so fuddyduddy. I'd hate to have this thing break without warning and ruin my engine.

Anyone out there with a 92-99 who replaced theirs? I know some have 175K miles and more.

This is all good info jr's3800. I'll see if the shop will check it for me and let me know if it'* time to change it. But it wouldn't hurt to get a new one anyway. Just need to get the $$ first. I'd like to regain as much power as I can.