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Do I need to replace the cam timing system?

  

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I have a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3 L 4WD.  I recently had an error code which prompted me to purchase an Ancel 410 Pro scanner.  Among the many tests run, I noticed that the timing advance did quite a dance up and down while at idle but when RPMs were increased, it settled to a steady RPM reading.  I fear that this indicates timing chain and gear wear.  The truck has 175,000 miles on it.  Is this something that indicates I need to replace the cam timing system?  I'm retired and on a very low fixed income and about to turn 80 years old.  I have the knowledge to do the job, but my body is definitely not what it used to be.  So, do I continue to drive it like it is, or should I dive into the engine?  Thanks for the advice.


This topic was modified 9 months ago by G.T.
3 Answers
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Posted by: @hpyhnd

I recently had an error code

which is? Can't really help you without knowing what the symptoms are. Are there any performance problems?

 

Posted by: @hpyhnd

I noticed that the timing advance did quite a dance up and down

timing changes according to engine load, throttle position, etc. That's why they let a computer control it.

 

Posted by: @hpyhnd

I fear that this indicates timing chain and gear wear. 

that would be very unusual for 175k


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Posted by: @hpyhnd

error code indicated a faulty injector

there is no such trouble code.

 

Posted by: @hpyhnd

My instrument panel ammeter

The instrument panel shows voltage not amps. 

 

Posted by: @hpyhnd

issue was erratic advance numbers at idle.

how much?

 

Posted by: @hpyhnd

wonder if the erratic changes were from a worn chain and gears. 

again, that would be highly unusual

 

Sorry , still not enough info here to give you a diagnosis. But if it drives then it drives I guess. Best of luck.


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Topic starter

There are absolutely no negative symptoms. The error code indicated a faulty injector but after driving back home, when I ran my scan no errors popped up, so I cleared the error and now after a 120 mile trip the dash is still without error.  My instrument panel ammeter looked like it was over charging but the scanner showed it to be almost perfectly within parameters.  the only issue was erratic advance numbers at idle.  It was too fast to even catch the numbers, but once the RPMs were raised to about 2000 it was solid and fine. It makes me wonder if the erratic changes were from a worn chain and gears. 


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