Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Timing Chain 3.1L

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 08:39 AM
  #1  
Firebird_305's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, AL 36567
Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0L TBI
Transmission: Automatic
Timing Chain 3.1L

Hey guys! So I looked in the hour book to see how long it would take to replace the timing chain and gears and according to book time it will take 5 hours
I am very confused by this because I have done plenty of them before (mainly cavaliers) and don't usually take me that long. Is there a certain way that you HAVE to go about doing this? I am upset to hear that the timing chain will take me the longest of all the things I have to do!

Any tips will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 08:52 AM
  #2  
58mark's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 6
From: Mesquite, Texas
Car: 89 rs, 86 Trans Am
Engine: RS-V6... Trans Am-LG4
Transmission: RS-T5... Trans Am 700r4
Re: Timing Chain 3.1L

Well you can't compare our cars to a front wheel drive car.

Not sure if you have to drop the front of the oil pan to get the cover of the timing chain off. That would make it a large job. I know you have to take everything off the front of the block. That's going to take a while
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 10:29 AM
  #3  
Firebird_305's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, AL 36567
Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0L TBI
Transmission: Automatic
Re: Timing Chain 3.1L

Yeah I know they aren't nearly the same, I was just shocked to see the 5 hour job for it. I have read that some engines require you to drop the front of the pan because there are two bolts that are held up behind the pan (I believe that's what I remember, I have it bookmarked). So I am basically looking at disassembling the front of the motor? Remove the pulleys and start pulling everything off till I get to the timing chain? One last question, the timing chain is like every other one correct? Line up the dots and call it good? I looked around and saw many different things that confused me. I tried finding a "how-to" thing to see for pictures and such, but had no luck.

I do appreciate the help!
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 10:36 AM
  #4  
58mark's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,009
Likes: 6
From: Mesquite, Texas
Car: 89 rs, 86 Trans Am
Engine: RS-V6... Trans Am-LG4
Transmission: RS-T5... Trans Am 700r4
Re: Timing Chain 3.1L

I just looked in my helm manual

this is what it says

Raise engine
Remove oil pan
lower vehicle
remove coolant pump
remove power steering pump
remove torsional damper
disconnect lower radiator hose
remove front cover
remove oil seal
place number 1 piston at DTC
remove camshaft sprocket and chain

installation is reverse of removal
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2011 | 11:05 AM
  #5  
Firebird_305's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, AL 36567
Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 5.0L TBI
Transmission: Automatic
Re: Timing Chain 3.1L

Awesome thank you very much 58mark! I greatly appreciate the help you provided! Makes this job tons easier now knowing exactly what needs to be removed.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2011 | 01:45 PM
  #6  
RBob's Avatar
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 18,432
Likes: 233
From: Chasing Electrons
Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: Timing Chain 3.1L

Not sure why the Helms states that the pan needs to be removed. Maybe the guy that wrote that section recalls the SBC set ups.

The one time I did a 3.1L timing chain the oil pan wasn't touched. Although, there may have been two bolts up through the pan into the timing case cover. But I know I didn't remove or even drop the front of the pan.

RBob.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Vintageracer
Camaros for Sale
12
Jan 10, 2020 05:33 PM
drewdock87
South Central
3
Aug 18, 2015 09:02 PM
MY87LT
Transmissions and Drivetrain
12
Aug 17, 2015 08:43 AM
Leggman1
Brakes
6
Aug 12, 2015 08:39 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:27 AM.