Timing chain? Belt? - Land Rovers Only

MuddyRangeRover · 11-10-2006, 08:37 AM

What is the 3.9V8? Chain? How do I know if I need to change it? I have no record of it being changed? How much does a kit cost, from this site about 300$. http://www.roversnorth.com/store/sea...&Issubmit=True

Is it a hard job? What generally needs to be removed for it to be changed?
Thanks.

Greg M · 11-10-2006, 08:52 AM

If I were you I wouldn't worry about it. If its the original chain, then it and the cam shaft are probably due for a change. BUT, its a big job and unless you have the time, money and skill set to do it, I would leave well enough alone.

Kevin88RRC · 11-10-2006, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg M

If I were you I wouldn't worry about it. If its the original chain, then it and the cam shaft are probably due for a change. BUT, its a big job and unless you have the time, money and skill set to do it, I would leave well enough alone.

Greg's right.... but if you have a lot of time you don't need as much skill. I did it and I have very little skill, but often a lot of time

.
You can get a better timing setup for cheaper... http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/9008.cfm

You should get a workshop manual. It will answer a lot of your questions.
http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-6...r-1987-91.aspx

MuddyRangeRover · 11-10-2006, 09:14 AM

Ok, thanks for the replies guys!
I wasn;t sure if it was something that HAD to be done. I know with BMW's, if your T-belt goes, you are pretty much guranteed needing a new head. Just wanted to know whether or not that is the case with the Rovers too. If it snaps(can it even do that), will it cause any damage? What is the worst that could happen to that chain?

Kevin you just reminded me that I had CD manual that came with the truck, Ill try and browse through it.

Kevin88RRC · 11-10-2006, 09:24 AM

When I changed mine it was missing a lot of teeth. I've heard they can break (the original are plastic) and you would be looking at a lot of work.
Here's a link to most of the manual for download http://www.landrover.ee/est/varia/downloads/cars.htm

Here's a pic of my old cam gear

Greg M · 11-10-2006, 09:24 AM

Kevin is right, the sproket on the camshaft is plastic. The chances of the chain snapping are slim. Never heard of one myself, but i'm sure it has happened somewhere at some time. Belts on the other hand do break and should be replaced at the recommended time. Belts are BS, the only reason for them is they are quieter than a chain or gear. And yes to answer your question, if by some remote chance it did snap, the valves will drop and the piston will probably bend them. Anyway, don't worry about it and go enjoy your rover.

choffa@comcast.net · 11-10-2006, 12:56 PM

Wear in the chain shows up in poor performance, backfiring at start up & erratic ignition timing. The teeth can break as shown, but the engine runs so poorly by then, it is normally caught before they shear off completely.

Chain is under a cover behind the water pump. If you're in there, think hard about doing the cam, lifters, water pump of course. All wear items.

yieldsign2 · 11-10-2006, 04:48 PM

Well, chalk one up for it happening...

My 87 slipped or broke its timing chain and i only went as far as top pull the cam covers and see broken rockers and such..

MuddyRangeRover · 11-11-2006, 05:55 AM

All right,t hanks guys. Won't worry about it for now until i start noticing those symptoms.

11-10-2006, 08:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
MuddyRangeRover Where is my Black Son? Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Aurora/Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 496 Gallery: 0	Timing chain? Belt? What is the 3.9V8? Chain? How do I know if I need to change it? I have no record of it being changed? How much does a kit cost, from this site about 300$. http://www.roversnorth.com/store/sea...&Issubmit=True Is it a hard job? What generally needs to be removed for it to be changed? Thanks. __________________ 1996 Disco 1 SE7- Stock(Awesome sound system) DD/Range Rover hauler. 1990 RRC SWB Camel Trophy Inspired- ARB, Hella's, Bosch's, AR's 15X8, 32"MTR's,Equipe suspension stuff, Skids, waiting for more...

11-10-2006, 08:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
Greg M Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boise ID Posts: 219 Gallery: 0	If I were you I wouldn't worry about it. If its the original chain, then it and the cam shaft are probably due for a change. BUT, its a big job and unless you have the time, money and skill set to do it, I would leave well enough alone. __________________ Greg M 1987 RRC Rovers haven't made it to the far reaches of the Earth worrying about warning lights.

11-10-2006, 09:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
MuddyRangeRover Where is my Black Son? Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Aurora/Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 496 Gallery: 0	Ok, thanks for the replies guys! I wasn;t sure if it was something that HAD to be done. I know with BMW's, if your T-belt goes, you are pretty much guranteed needing a new head. Just wanted to know whether or not that is the case with the Rovers too. If it snaps(can it even do that), will it cause any damage? What is the worst that could happen to that chain? Kevin you just reminded me that I had CD manual that came with the truck, Ill try and browse through it. __________________ 1996 Disco 1 SE7- Stock(Awesome sound system) DD/Range Rover hauler. 1990 RRC SWB Camel Trophy Inspired- ARB, Hella's, Bosch's, AR's 15X8, 32"MTR's,Equipe suspension stuff, Skids, waiting for more...

11-10-2006, 09:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
Kevin88RRC Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Portland, Maine Posts: 709 Gallery: 0	When I changed mine it was missing a lot of teeth. I've heard they can break (the original are plastic) and you would be looking at a lot of work. Here's a link to most of the manual for download http://www.landrover.ee/est/varia/downloads/cars.htm Here's a pic of my old cam gear Attached Thumbnails __________________ Kevin 88 RRC "Audrey"

11-10-2006, 09:24 AM	#6 (permalink)
Greg M Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boise ID Posts: 219 Gallery: 0	Kevin is right, the sproket on the camshaft is plastic. The chances of the chain snapping are slim. Never heard of one myself, but i'm sure it has happened somewhere at some time. Belts on the other hand do break and should be replaced at the recommended time. Belts are BS, the only reason for them is they are quieter than a chain or gear. And yes to answer your question, if by some remote chance it did snap, the valves will drop and the piston will probably bend them. Anyway, don't worry about it and go enjoy your rover. __________________ Greg M 1987 RRC Rovers haven't made it to the far reaches of the Earth worrying about warning lights. Last edited by Greg M : 11-10-2006 at 04:59 PM.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Land Rovers Only - Land Rover Forum Advertisement

11-10-2006, 12:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
choffa@comcast.net Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Suburbs of Philadelphia, PA Posts: 60 Gallery: 0	Wear in the chain shows up in poor performance, backfiring at start up & erratic ignition timing. The teeth can break as shown, but the engine runs so poorly by then, it is normally caught before they shear off completely. Chain is under a cover behind the water pump. If you're in there, think hard about doing the cam, lifters, water pump of course. All wear items. __________________ CJH 1990 Rangie Philadelphia, PA

11-10-2006, 04:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
yieldsign2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pascoag, RI Posts: 313 Gallery: 0	Well, chalk one up for it happening... My 87 slipped or broke its timing chain and i only went as far as top pull the cam covers and see broken rockers and such.. __________________ Devon Yablonski 1989 Range Rover Classic - Running and Muddy 1988 Range Rover Classic - Parts http://ads.auctionads.com/pagead/lin...assZyieldsign2

11-11-2006, 05:55 AM	#9 (permalink)
MuddyRangeRover Where is my Black Son? Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Aurora/Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 496 Gallery: 0	All right,t hanks guys. Won't worry about it for now until i start noticing those symptoms. __________________ 1996 Disco 1 SE7- Stock(Awesome sound system) DD/Range Rover hauler. 1990 RRC SWB Camel Trophy Inspired- ARB, Hella's, Bosch's, AR's 15X8, 32"MTR's,Equipe suspension stuff, Skids, waiting for more...

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode