99RegalGS Posted October 10, 2003 Report Share Posted October 10, 2003 For the past couple months my car has been running like crap. It would backfire and missfire. I went through a alot ideas on what was wrong; valves, computer, crankshaft sensor, etc.. Well, tonight my dad took my car to a mechanic. He said that my timing was variating between 13-19* BTDC and he said that it was my timing belt. Does this sound right? I thought that my 3800 has a chain not a belt? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redfox340 Posted October 10, 2003 Report Share Posted October 10, 2003 Your pushrod motor DOES NOT have a timing belt. Keep looking around on you motor... perhaps wires? Coils? - Erik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby1870 Posted October 10, 2003 Report Share Posted October 10, 2003 Yeah, its got a chain. But, if your chain has slipped or stretched or anything, then the timing will jump around. My dads Toyota did that, chain stretched and the timing was all over the place. We put a new chain in this summer, and that thing runs like a scalded dog now. I would get some more opinions though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99RegalGS Posted October 10, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2003 Would I be able to change the chain myself? If so, how hard? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandPrix34 Posted October 10, 2003 Report Share Posted October 10, 2003 VERY HARD YYOU WILL LOSE 3 FINGERS JUST LOOKING AT THE PROCEDURE!!! Nah, with the right set of tools and very helpful instruction you'll do alright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby1870 Posted October 10, 2003 Report Share Posted October 10, 2003 Would I be able to change the chain myself? If so, how hard? Yeah, you could do it yourself. It would take a while but it could be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99RegalGS Posted October 14, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2003 I might try to change the timing chain this weekend. I have a couple of questions though. Should I get the whole timing set or just the chain? Do you guys have any tips on making this easier? Would I be able to advance the cam at all? (I herd that a couple of degrees will make more power.) EDIT: How do I put it on #1 TDC, I know it sounds like a stupid question but I don't think that my car has a timing mark on the harmonic balancer (I've tried looking for it before)? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby1870 Posted October 15, 2003 Report Share Posted October 15, 2003 Yes there is a mark on the crank pulley and one on the block to match it up to. Dont advance your timing, it will only hurt you. Get a complete timing set of crank and cam gears and chanin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaPaPooh Posted October 15, 2003 Report Share Posted October 15, 2003 i remember doing an old trick for TDC with no timing bracket what i did was took #1 plug out put my thumb over the hole and had someone manually turn the engine over once i felt the compression i held a screw driver in the hold and when i felt the piston touching the screw driver i slowly pulled it out and when i knew it was not going to bind up in side i ler go and once it stoped moving i knew it was a TDC boy those was the good ol'days when you could sit in the engine compartments 8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99RegalGS Posted October 15, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2003 When I go home on friday I'll grab a wrench and rotate the crank to see if there is a mark. Yesterday I also looked for preformance timing chains on the internet and I saw that Comp Cams had a double roller set for $70. The page said 1977 and up Buick V6. Well, I called Comp Cams and it turns out that it was only for the RWD version. So now I have to spend $70 for a stock replacement. Sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99RegalGS Posted October 24, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 I'm going to replace it tomorrow. Do any of you guys know how to pull off the harmonic balancer w/o the puller tool? Any last minute tips? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fast68 Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 you need the tool, its 15 bucks at auto zone, but dont use the cheap bolts in the kit go to napa and get three grade 8 bolts with same threads as the pulley bolts but long enough to use with puller, you have to have puller or it will be no-go, it only takes a few minutes to pull the harmonic dampner off, its simple,. take front wheel off to give room to use the tool the job is pretty sytraightforward, youll have to wing it really, ask here if you need ot know anything specific that you think you should know bwefore going ahead any further than where you are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99RegalGS Posted October 25, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 Is the $15 to buy the tool or to loan it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99RegalGS Posted October 26, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2003 I did the timing chain today and it was pretty staight forward. I did need to use the puller tool for the harmonic balancer. The chain I took out was not tight and could move it back and forth an 1/2". My car runs EXELLENT! Even better than when I got it. Thanks for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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