3.4 DOHC TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT

[reddroptop]

Finally got around to opening up my 1994 Cutlass Supreme convertible with the infamous 3.4 DOHC engine. The engine had a sound like Spike Jones Band coming from the front of the engine. And as suspected it was the timing chain tensioner failure. Luckily about 2 years ago I obtained the tool set for this engine on Ebay for only $49.00. As this car has only 64k miles I was really disappointed. I do my repairs and I firmly believe that the engineers who designed the engine were on crack.

[GOT2B GM]

The timing chain tensioner failed at 64k?

 

or was it the timing belt tensioner?

[Nas Escobar]

The timing chain tensioner failed at 64k?

 

or was it the timing belt tensioner?

 

The LQ1 coudn't have a chain on it.... could it? I know mine is belt.

[Galaxie500XL]

Actually, the LQ1 has BOTH a belt, and a chain...the chain is under the timing cover, and runs from the crank to the shaft that actually drives the belt....but at 64K, I suspect what they are describing is the hydraulic actuator that provides tension for the timing BELT, rather than the one for the chain. I replace that actuator at each belt change...which unfortunately has meant two actuators in the past 35,000 miles.

Edited November 22, 2013 by Galaxie500XL

[White93z34]

That sound does sound like a failed belt tensioner

[RobertISaar]

I replace that actuator at each belt change...which unfortunately has meant two actuators in the past 35,000 miles.

 

at least when the zombie apocolypse happens, you'll have spares. i don't think the zombie USPS would be very reliable.

[GOT2B GM]

There'll be a day in the near future when that part will be made of unobtainium.

[Galaxie500XL]

They're already somewhat hard to source. The plate with the bushing that holds it in place is already almost impossible to find. Unfortunately, the two actuators I've pulled off the car, one is the one that was on it when I purchased the car..while it was functioning, I have no idea as to how old it is, and the second failed after only 30,000 miles. I really should get another actuator ordered, to go along with my pile of parts. Ain't LQ1's fun?

There'll be a day in the near future when that part will be made of unobtainium.

[GOT2B GM]

I'm not hoarding, these are good parts right here!!

[Galaxie500XL]

The parts I've collected would make an embarrassingly long list...but among the hard to find stuff, I've got a spare PCM, a MAF, and an EGR...and that's just for starters.

[GOT2B GM]

you should see my garage..... I live up to the quote in your sig, except I have four LQ1's on the road

[reddroptop]

you should see my garage..... I live up to the quote in your sig, except I have four LQ1's on the road

The part that failed was the TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER!

[Galaxie500XL]

..well, that cleared that up..

[GOT2B GM]

I'm amazed that it failed with that low of miles.

[jman093]

I'm amazed that it failed with that low of miles.

 

Especially since it's mechanical; not hydraulic like the belt tensioner. Not much there to fail.

[Schurkey]

Especially since it's mechanical; not hydraulic like the belt tensioner. Not much there to fail.

The belt tensioner isn't hydraulic. It's merely filled with oil for lubrication. There's a spring-and-screw mechanism inside.

[Galaxie500XL]

I was under the impression the spring provided the tension, and the oil acted like a hydraulic jack, preventing the actuator from retracting easily.

[Schurkey]

I was under the impression the spring provided the tension, and the oil acted like a hydraulic jack, preventing the actuator from retracting easily.

Nope. The actuator is easily retracted by turning the screw under the rubber cover. The oil is for lubrication of the guts inside.

[96 Pontiac gtp]

I know this post is old but I'm having a hard time finding the hydraulic tensioner for the timing belt (LQ1 3.4 dohc) Can anyone tell me were I can purchase one? It would be greatly appreciated. 

[55trucker]

Welcome:

1st post?

 

good question.......answer is the tensioner is not hydraulic, it is mechanical, and they are rare as hen's teeth now. You will have a somewhat difficult time finding a new one.

But all is not lost, they generally don't wear out unless the internal spring fails, they can be reloaded after being removed from the engine so they can be reused again.

[96 Pontiac gtp]

Its for the belt not chain

 

[55trucker]

Precisely,

 

the tensioner is mechanical, not hydraulic

[jiggity76]

On 11/22/2013 at 2:31 PM, reddroptop said:

The part that failed was the TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER!

These are still available.  Part #10110596.  Hope this helps.

 

Edited March 22, 2021 by jiggity76

[96 Pontiac gtp]

12 minutes ago, 55trucker said:

Precisely,

 

the tensioner is mechanical, not hydraulic

Oh cause descripsion reads "Does not come with cam. tensioner hydraulic assembly" in all timing kits

Gates Timing Belt Kit

  Click to Enlarge

 

(Read reviews)

Our List Price:$121.43

 

Quantity: 

(3) In Stock

Part Number: 4724-05593233

Notes: PowerGrip Premium OE Timing Belt Component Kit -- Interference engine application; Does not include cam. tensioner Hydraulic assembly

Condition: New

 

Contents Belt, Tensioner, 2 Idlers

 

Shipping Options:
Ground

 

 

This Part Fits:	Catalog: B
Vehicle Engine 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.4L V6 GAS

[55trucker]

Well son, don't believe everything one reads with regards to a third party aftermarket ad,

the tensioner is indeed mechanical.