Hi Scotty,
I have a 13 Corolla auto with nearly 270 K. My mechanic noted that the timing cover is leaking and suggested to have it done in the near future. They added to go ahead and replace the timing chain and tensioner at the same time.They said it will be costly mainly due to the labor as the engine may need to be removed to do so. Any feedback and such would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
when would it be a necessity to replace the timing cover
You don't need top replace a timing cover unless it's been damaged. If your oil leak is small, and say it doesn't spot the ground or wet the engine and there's no smell/odor/smoke, heck you really don't have to fix it. That engine can get a small leak right where the tensioner and chain cover meet. Also the tensioner can be replaced without taking the timing chain cover off.
Is there evidence that the chain has stretched?
No, I don't think there's any indication of it. It runs fine and there's no excessive noise (chain flap). They said they may as well do it while replacing the timing cover due to the work it takes to replace it as they have to almost remove the engine to do it. I know Scotty has several 1.8 L. I've never heard much about timing cover replacement and it's difficulty to do so. Thanks.
No, I don't think there's any indication of it.
Well, on most engines timing chain replacement is not a scheduled maintenance. I've run cars up to the 300K-400K mile range with no timing chain problems. Long service life does require though that oil changes be done on time to prevent chain wear.
How much extra would it cost to install a new chain while they are in there? If not a lot of additional labor it might make sense as long as OEM parts are installed. (Guides should also be replaced if installing a new chain.)
Thanks for the response. I will bring this up with my mechanic. I do have another question related to this. Considering the car is running fine and with such high mileage already as long as I'm checking the oil routinely and refilling as well as changing it as well, when would it be a necessity to replace the timing cover as it is quite the job and expensive in labor as well?
Thanks again.
Are there any wear areas in the timing cover? If not then there should be no reason to replace it unless cracked or warped.
I'll have to ask my mechanic. They made mention of it last fall as something they were noticing, but not to a point to where it had to be addressed yet. I've put on another 25 K since then, but they haven't looked at it recently. I'll take it by possibly this weekend to give it another look.
Thanks for the info. It's appreciated.
depends how much life is left in the vehicle. How much oil are you losing to the leak?
