Primary timing chain wear 2001 Gen 1

[grizzlyls]

So I finally got my baby back - July 5th was handed to the Mech! Least the hack job was set to new again. What I need to under stand though is a couple of things that discouraged me about the Prmary chain wear.

The mech stated that he cut himself on the sprocket which 'had been worn sharp' of the Primary chain I believe (was replacing the chains and tensionors with Christophers FP stuff). He believes this will fail sometime and I should replace soon. As we know that means the big job of pulling the front and all. So, how solid is the sprocket that the two chains use? What would likely go first, the chain or the sprocket? I dont hear any rattles, although he said he did when he started the car - but that may have been the new chain/stuff seating imo - would I hear something if failure is coming? Lastly, does this sound like normal wear, or is there something else causing this? Keep in mind grandpa maintained this car with documented routine maintenance.

My goal is to make a informed decision to just be aware of and be careful, or go ahead and attack this issue. Oh 2001 LS 101k miles.

Hmmm, interesting, full sentences, punctuation and questions with enough info to be clear........

 

[grizzlyls]

Thought of a couple more questions. I have found that if the upper system fails thats bad, and means the valves hits the piston. I thought I read that if the lower/primary fails not so bad, just dont start the car/crank engine. Is this correct in this case (either sprocket break or chain break)? Also was wanting to take a road trip to Las Vegas, should I be cautious and skip road trips?

 

[joegr]

Failure of the primary is worse than failure of the secondary.
Secondary failure = Pistons will probably hit exhaust valves.
Primary failure = Pistons will certainly hit intake and exhaust valves. (Remember, the secondary is driven by the primary.)

 

[grizzlyls]

DOH! Crap thought I was done with this, made the wrong choice then - sort of. The original tensionors were in there, but guess I should have done it all. <Sigh>

Will I have any clues about the status? Did not hear any strange sound or rattle all weekend when driving it and we all talk about rattle on the near failing uppers....

 

[grizzlyls]

Also, did a little more research here, and I guess that there was a difference in the primary chains of the 2001 and earlier. Read something about bicycle style versus multi-link... would a replacement set like Christopher's be the new better style?

 

[grizzlyls]

SO, update, and you can all pitch in but I have the answers. Called Christophers and as always hes tops. It seems that LATE 2001 build (I am March 2001 so dont qualify) they changed the chains to a better quality chain that wouldn't break as much. During 2002 they used these, and in 2003 Gen 2 they updated the whole chain thing of course.

I guess I learned the hard way. Stay away from 2000 - 2001! If anyone reads this thread and is considering doing the timing chain repairs, get the WHOLE kit from Christopher, its cheap, and replace all the things. Be ready to get sprockets too. Thats what made me start this part of the search, mech said the teeth have worn 'sharp'.

I have all my questions answered now, guess I have another expensive round coming. But you pros feel free to chime in.

 

[LS4me]

I guess I learned the hard way. Stay away from 2000 - 2001! ....

It's always wise to avoid the first model year of ANY vehicle!! Update or first of its run!