19 replies to this topic

[Rick Anderson]

I have a horrible rattling coming from my single row timing chain and I am trying to decide if the engine is worth having the timing chain work done now or if I should anticipate a full rebuild soon.  The labor quote for replacing the timing chain is $1,000 to $1,200 USD so I hate to waste money doing it now if I am going to need a full rebuild soon. 

 

The engine starts and runs well and doesn't smoke much, although there is a little soot/residue that builds up on my rear bumper over time.  It has a lot of power but sounds like a diesel due to the timing chain rattle.  

 

I did a compression check - the #1 and #4 cylinders were at 160 psi while #2 and #3 tested at 140 psi warm so about 15% variance.  This is a Metro low compression engine by the way.  

 

When I start my engine the oil pressure gauge is pegged at 95 to 100 at idle, revs, and driving.  After about five minutes warm up the pressure gets down to about 60 at idle, 70 to 75 cruising and 90 +/- when accelerating hard.  Once fully warm the idle is 15 to 18, normal driving and cruising is around 45 to 50, and hard acceleration is 75 +/-.  Is this normal?  

 

What else should I check out before committing to having the chain done?  Any advice would be appreciated.  

 

 

 

 

[midridge2]

Look for another garage, that's way way over the odds.

[Spider]

Got to agree 100000% with midridge2 on this.

 

Clearly the guys aren't interested in the job or are trying to take advantage.

 

For a workshop to quote it, they should only be allowing about 2 hours to do this. 3 at the very outside and they drink lots of coffee.

 

Parts, even allowing for say Mini Mania pricing wouldn't be more than $150 USD.

 

<Edit: Your Compression Pressures sound OK to me as does your Oil Pressure. >

Edited by Moke Spider, 11 September 2016 - 08:16 PM.

[nicklouse]

It may just be the tensioner that has failed.

I would just get my hands dirty.

[Cooperman]

You should easily be able to change the chainsaw and tensioner yourself.
For an experienced Mini technician's it is about 3 hours work. Double that if you have meter done that job before. It is very straightforward.
Total cost around $50.

[59 Speed]

Timing chain swap was the first job I did on a mini.

Didn't have a clue at the start - took an afternoon.

Invest in some tools, get dirty and save a fortune.

$1000 wow! That's expensive for the cam belt on my old Seat 20 valve turbo where half the engine needs dismantling!

[Rick Anderson]

The cost of living here is about three times what it is everywhere else so I didn't think the quote was out of line.     

[gazza82]

You haven't told us where you are?

[Dusky]

You haven't told us where you are?

If you pay in USD I guess in the US

[nicklouse]

You haven't told us where you are?

and his profile under his avatar says Napa, California

[Spider]

The cost of living here is about three times what it is everywhere else so I didn't think the quote was out of line.     

 

What sort of hourly rate is charged by an average workshop?

[mikal]

Youtube it and do it yourself. Plenty of contributors here will help you along the way. The price you were quoted is absurd....

[whistler]

 

You haven't told us where you are?

and his profile under his avatar says Napa, California

 

Not rocket science is it.

[Carlos W]

Buy a Haynes manual. 

 

For $1200 you could fly one of us out there to change it

[nicklouse]

 

 

You haven't told us where you are?

and his profile under his avatar says Napa, California

 

Not rocket science is it.

 

for some of use you need to go to the profile as to why though.