[CaSea4Me]

Hi Guys,

I always appreciate your knowledge base and detailed answers to the most simple questions. So please toss in your valued 2 cents here.

I've got a '90 yj 4.2L w/ 144K on engine. Runs great (knock on wood), burns no oil, no leaks etc... I'm wondering about timming chain. Do I need to do a preventative change? I've been told that when it goes it causes no major problems. I've also been told just the oposite; valves being burried into pistons etc....

What's the straight skinny?

[et1]

not a mechanic, but i know from experience that when a timing chain breaks or slips or gears break, all kinds a things get out of
synch and do bend and break, ie push rods,valves

[iamthemellowman]

timing chains usually present a warningthat they are going to fail.. Chains stretch, and when your timing chain does that it creates a good amount of noise up front. I've only heard a few instances of a chain actually breaking, Normally it's the 4cyl OHC with belts that have more horror stories.

so if it sounds healthy and no clatter then you are probably ok. However chains are cheap, motors are not. you can get a replacement set (i advise getting a cloyes double roller)

what does happen when your chain breaks is that the valves stop moving, while the pistons keep moving.. So there will be a valve in the fully down position while a piston is going for the fully up position and presto! bent valves and possibly serious piston damage. A lot of times though all you need is to install new valves/guides and it's fixed. oh and a chain too

[CaSea4Me]

I'm thinking replacement would be the smart thing to do. Someone mentioned a Cloyes double roller. Opinions again please

Where 2 get and how much should I expect to pay?

[iamthemellowman]

a set includes the chain and gears.. oem replacement is about $50-$60 Cloyes double roller is about $120 but worth every penny for the higher level of quality and peace of mind...

I know for a fact that Clifford performance has them
www.cliffordperformance.com


if it's way more from them, like 170, then there is someone else that sells themm at 120 however it's a junky webpage and doesn't inspire confidence in me to be sending out my credit card number.

http://www.cliffordperformance.com/catalog/page41.pdf


here it's 125 from here.. i've never done business with them but it's way cheaper.. i knew there was something about clifford http://www.accuratepower.com/Jeep/Parts.html