Replace Timing Chain vs Replace Engine

[Aeroz]

Hey,

Had a topic some time ago about starting issues and determined it was due to my timing chain under the valve cover not moving while cranking. The car was idling/warming up around 1-2k when the engine just died. So I'm wondering at this point,

Should I just go ahead and replace the timing chain myself, or should I replace the engine for another SOHC (I have an '89 240). I don't have the money for an SR, and a DOHC seems to be easier said than done.

Is there any definite way to check if any damage was done to valves or anything like that?

Timing Chain replacement vs SOHC replacement

The engine has 132k on it.

Thanks.

[onosqv]

If you have another sohc engine around that is in good working order & you are comfortable enough to do an engine swap, go for it.

Otherwise, you can always start tearing down the engine (i.e. being doing a timing chain replacement) & check the head/cams/etc while you are at it.

With the valve cover removed, and potentially the timing cover removed, crank the engine by hand w/ a large ratchet and see if anything hits - it will be fairly obvious if something is really badly wrong.

For more exact mechanical tests, you can consult the FSM, which will tell you what to test, how to test, etc.

[Aeroz]

Yeah I cranked the engine by hand, and after like a 10-30 degree rotation, it got pretty tight/hard to turn, but I went ahead and the chain sorta slipped and got jumbled up.

Would that be indicative of a "big" problem?

[onosqv]

Yes.

I'd still try to go through FSM troubleshooting to see if everything else seems to be in spec - of course, personally, I'd just swap in a known good sohc engine, then rip apart that jumbling timing chain one on an engine stand and rebuild it like new.

[Vegascorbin]

+1 for swap and rebuild.