[Elkaywhy]

Hey Zookers I need your wisdom!

With around 250k on the odometer of my manual 2002 SQ625 GV, I'm beginning the hear a rattle from the engine which judging from what I've read is most likely due to a timing chain tensioner or needing a new chain. I understand this is a big and expensive job and as much as I'd like to have a crack at pulling the engine apart and giving it a good recondition, I am neither mechanically minded or equiped enough for this kind of job nor do I have the time.

So what is the damage on a job like this? Is it worth fining a lower km reconditioned engine and getting it swapped out? How do you all feel about swapping the H25a out for a H27a from and early XL7?

Thanks,
Tim

[Elkaywhy]

Also, is there any other maintinance which should be considered when opening up/potsntially removing the engine? Would be a shame if I didn't use this opportunity to get right in there and get any thjng else done.

[ZUZUKI]

Hi Tim,
I don't know quite where a H25A is at end of life - 1/2 reasonable maintenance (including chains) & they go well past 300k - so far.
Yes, doing the chains is a pain & not really in the DIY scope unless you follow the FSM to the letter.
To have it done by someone who has done it before would be around the $1000 mark, including the chain / guide kit - split $750 labour / $250 kit
The labour to swap in another engine would about this $$, then you've got to buy the other engine ($4-500 s/hand) & then put a chain kit thorough it, $850 - it doesn't save much time if the engine is out of the car.
A H27A is meant to be worth the effort to find if you need to change the engine.
If the only issue is chain noise - do the chains / tensioner & keep driving it for another 100,000km?.
If history is unknown, or it is gunky inside the rocker covers / timing case, another engine might be the way to go, but will be more money.
Rgs, Michael

[fordem]

Elkaywhy wrote:

I'm beginning the hear a rattle from the engine which judging from what I've read is most likely due to a timing chain tensioner or needing a new chain.

There are a lot of things that can rattle - at the very least - get a decent diagnosis and then you'll be able to make an informed decision - what if the rattle is the accessory drive tensioner pulley bearing?