Timing Chain

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Molly1998

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Can anyone give me some information about the timing chain? I am not really having any problems with it, but where I don't know the history of this van, I just wanted some information about it. I have heard both - that timing chains, depending on the engine, really don't need to be replaced vs. they do. If they do, what's the interval?
 
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I have about 170k miles on my 3400 on my 2005 Impala. I bought the car with 60k miles and it's still running well. I've heard people on the impala forums get 300k on theirs (and they claim original trans as well). I imagine they are not gunning it and are driving like it's a regular daily driver.

Timing chains are strong (metal chain) and maybe what you heard was about a timing belt. The timing belts are rubber usually and need to be changed more often.

If you're not having any problems I wouldn't worry about it. Changing out one of those would be a blast (not) depending on your setup/layout of the enginebay. IDK what yours looks like but FYI the belt you can see (your serpentine belt that runs all our accessories of the engine like the power steering) and the cover that holds the pulleys has to come off to replace a timing chain.

Anything else going on that you vehicle?
 
I have heard of timing belts as well and do know that those usually get changed every 60k or so...I just wasn't sure about chains.

Thank you, Richard....no, the transmission is the only problematic thing so far.
 
Hello everybody
Recommend replacing the timing belts ( engines GM 3.4L - Montana,Venture,Silhouette,Trans Sport ) at 60,000-mile intervals.
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But most belt manufacturers recommend replacing the timing belts on these engines at 60,000-mile intervals
Click to expand...

From that article it refers to timing belts. It says later timing chain but doesn't include the interval.

Wow I would say 60k just seems far too soon to me!

Edit: I guess the question is what engine is in that 1998... I thought it was a 3400 - Wiki says it's an LA1 same as my impala.
 
I know that my engine is a v6...I am pretty sure it has the chain.
 
I think they were just giving info on timing belts.

I am sure it's a V6 as well. I was wondering which specific engine the vehicle has in it. The numbers and letters 3400 SFI are right on the top part of the engine (perhaps under a black plastic engine cover).

I looked it up on Wikipedia and it said your vehicle has a 3400 and the specific engine is LA1. This is the same basic setup I have in 2 of my vehicles (2005 Impala and my 2000 Grand Am). They definitely have a timing chain.
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I think some of the confusion about timing belts may be due to GM making 2 different 3.4 engines. The most common installed in the vans and cars had 1 cam and push rods with a timing chain 12 valve. Some high end grand prix's and monte carlo's had dual over head cam's 24 valves and a belt.
 
Yes but those must have been older ones. Newer GP and Impala (not newest) are 3100, 3400, 3800. (3500 & 3900 for newer impala not the newest with the 3.6)
 
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