How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

2badgn · 11-14-2009, 12:29 PM

My dad's original 1984 GMC Sierra 3500 has 108,000 miles on it.
Oil has always been changed at 3,000 miles or less.

Truck was used for construction work on weekends only and as a daily driver on weekdays. It hasn't been used much for past 5 years - maybe once a week.

Looking to do a full tune up: plugs, wires, cap, rotor, change all fluids, change all filters, motor mounts, clean carb, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, etc.

Just wanted to know how often does one change the timing chain?

Can a timing chain be oiled or adjusted?
Looking to to preventive maintenance.

thanks

cableguy0 · 11-14-2009, 12:32 PM

if your gonna have it torn apart to do the oil pan gasket it doesnt make sense to not put a new timing chain in. there is no adjustment for the chain. over time they stretch especially the stock single roller chains. you can get a new timing chain for about 20 bucks. i think you can even get a double roller for that price.your about due for a chain with that mileage anyhow.

**Wrenchbender Ret** · 11-15-2009, 11:43 AM

I always like to replace the timing chain at 100,000 miles. Although they last longer then they used to, it keeps it in the best running condition. If you are going that far I surely would put one in.

SSC's76 · 11-15-2009, 06:57 PM

The older chains wiht the nylon gears were good for 150K some more some less just depending on the condition of the engine. A construction truck is probably going to need it sooner. I would drive it until it breaks then worry about it unless you plan on making cross country trips in it then I would go ahead and do a chain and toss in a new oil pump for good measure.

**Wrenchbender Ret** · 11-16-2009, 05:29 PM

If those Nylon teeth wipe out you will be sitting where it happens. Some engines it will bend a bunch of valves. You will have to pull the pan to get all the teeth out or they will clog up the oil screen & ruin the engine. That is why I replace them every 100,000 miles.

cableguy0 · 11-16-2009, 07:11 PM

the miles isnt the big issue on the nylon gears its the time. that plastic wasnt intended to last 25 years. whether its falling apart now or not its still old and brittle and waiting for a good excuse to leave you sitting on the side of road kicking your fender

Tx Firefighter · 11-16-2009, 09:18 PM

Look at it this way, you're going to have the oil pan off already. The timing chain cover is only another 10 bolts to remove. Do it now !

2badgn · 11-17-2009, 06:17 PM

Finally brought my dad's truck to my local Chevy dealer. These guys are reliable. They do work on my 2007 Monte Carlo SS.
I am having them do a complete tune up, install new OEM Delco Rochester carb (which I bought from ebay) tranny service, change differential fluid, motor mounts and Timing Chain. Labor is going to be around $1,300 but at least I can stop worrying about that damn timing chain breaking and ruining the engine. Going to check the rear brakes at a local alignment place next and then off to the body shop! I need to take and post pics! Thanks for everyone's input.

11-14-2009, 12:29 PM	#1
2badgn Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 276	How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 My dad's original 1984 GMC Sierra 3500 has 108,000 miles on it. Oil has always been changed at 3,000 miles or less. Truck was used for construction work on weekends only and as a daily driver on weekdays. It hasn't been used much for past 5 years - maybe once a week. Looking to do a full tune up: plugs, wires, cap, rotor, change all fluids, change all filters, motor mounts, clean carb, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, etc. Just wanted to know how often does one change the timing chain? Can a timing chain be oiled or adjusted? Looking to to preventive maintenance. thanks

11-14-2009, 12:32 PM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 if your gonna have it torn apart to do the oil pan gasket it doesnt make sense to not put a new timing chain in. there is no adjustment for the chain. over time they stretch especially the stock single roller chains. you can get a new timing chain for about 20 bucks. i think you can even get a double roller for that price.your about due for a chain with that mileage anyhow. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

11-15-2009, 11:43 AM	#3
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,190	Re: How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 I always like to replace the timing chain at 100,000 miles. Although they last longer then they used to, it keeps it in the best running condition. If you are going that far I surely would put one in. Last edited by Wrenchbender Ret; 11-15-2009 at 11:44 AM.

11-15-2009, 06:57 PM	#4
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Re: How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 The older chains wiht the nylon gears were good for 150K some more some less just depending on the condition of the engine. A construction truck is probably going to need it sooner. I would drive it until it breaks then worry about it unless you plan on making cross country trips in it then I would go ahead and do a chain and toss in a new oil pump for good measure. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

11-16-2009, 05:29 PM	#5
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,190	Re: How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 If those Nylon teeth wipe out you will be sitting where it happens. Some engines it will bend a bunch of valves. You will have to pull the pan to get all the teeth out or they will clog up the oil screen & ruin the engine. That is why I replace them every 100,000 miles.

11-16-2009, 07:11 PM	#6
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 the miles isnt the big issue on the nylon gears its the time. that plastic wasnt intended to last 25 years. whether its falling apart now or not its still old and brittle and waiting for a good excuse to leave you sitting on the side of road kicking your fender __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

11-16-2009, 09:18 PM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 Look at it this way, you're going to have the oil pan off already. The timing chain cover is only another 10 bolts to remove. Do it now ! __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-17-2009, 06:17 PM	#8
2badgn Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 276	Re: How often do u change a timing chain? 1984 GMC 3500 Finally brought my dad's truck to my local Chevy dealer. These guys are reliable. They do work on my 2007 Monte Carlo SS. I am having them do a complete tune up, install new OEM Delco Rochester carb (which I bought from ebay) tranny service, change differential fluid, motor mounts and Timing Chain. Labor is going to be around $1,300 but at least I can stop worrying about that damn timing chain breaking and ruining the engine. Going to check the rear brakes at a local alignment place next and then off to the body shop! I need to take and post pics! Thanks for everyone's input.



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