Timing Chain

[C3pO13]

Hi :)

 

I was wondering if anyone could help as I know little about a timing chain driven car and consequences of it "slipping" or on a belt driven car for that matter. :)

My X reg 2.3 Galaxy did not turn over the other day so the recovery people took it to a garage to get looked since the recovery fella could not get it going.

I thought it could be the starter motor as the lights, radio, climate control were all turned on when I turn the key the key. However when I turn it more to start the car it sounds like its just about to with a little whirring noise and then does not start. To me the noise is the starter motor but then nothing. So I assumed it had gone.

 

So any way the guy at the garage says it's not the starter motor as the new one he put in seems to start but then the engine locks/stops.

So before he carried on going any further he called me to update me on the situation as it was near the end of the day for him.

 

The first thing he talked about as it looks as though the engine "locks" it could be that the timing chain has "slipped". IF that was the case it would be very expensive to replace this and open up the engine to make sure of any damage which to sounds like an engine rebuild type scenario and sounds like it will be raping my wallet.

 

The other option he gave me was to source a new engine. Sounds really expensive :)

 

Also I recall he said that the compression in cylinder 3 was low.

 

I was under the assumption that chain driven cars did not slip like belt ones. Is it really that bad that there would be a ton of damage to the engine possibly?

What does it do when the timing chain slips?

 

Cheers

C3pO

[Guest Aarongalaxy90tdi]

buy a new galaxy get a tdi as petrol galaxy costs alot to run

[bfc1001]

dunno mate but if the timing belt has "slipped" which does sound unusual for a chain driven engine i would consider writing off car and getting a new one. i cant see u getting much change out of a 1000 pounds if the mechanic is suggesting getting a reclaimed engine . better to put that money towards something newer as aposed to spending it on a car that is probably worth 1700 tops . maybe someone on here has had a similair experience and it isnt so bad but i would nt spend good money on bad if u know what i mean ; and that s speaking from experience.

[C3pO13]

Thanks for the comments guys. I have been having a think so I can let the mechanic know tomorrow. We really like the dynamics of the car especially with 3 kids so I probably will go for another but maybe the Al-hambra with it's firmer ride but I have not driven a newer galaxy yet. Time to go car shopping :)

[bingo nightly]

If the timing chain has jumped a tooth or two then it will almost certainly have bent some valves at the very least. This would account for low compression and reluctance to turn over. If this is the case I would be inclined to look for a used engine to replace yours, there are stacks of 2.3's out there being broken but you should ideally find one you can hear running or with some sort of warranty. I replaced my V6 engine for