Randy wrote: "My recollection is also that one needs to change the timing sprockets and chain around 100K miles. They use a nylon sprocket to keep things quiet and they wear out."
That was true on the older generation 3800. I know it was true on the 85 and 86 (the first years for the FWD 88 and 98). But, I think they had addressed that by 1988. I know that in 1990, the 3800 received some serious upgrades and none of the cars past 1990 need timing chains. I can't remember a single one needing a timing chain when I was at the dealership and there were cars with 300,000 miles on them. The best years of the 3800 were from 1990-1995 and then after they got the intake problem fixed. GM has never specifically released vin numbers on that, so there are reports of model year 2000 being the fix. But, I would be safe and say 2001. Since then, the 3800 has been great. It is a real shame that it is being replaced (if it hasn't been totally replaced already) with the 3.5 "shortstar" and the 3.6 direct injection engine. The 3800 was used in so many cars for so many years, that GM really did perfect it. Donald H. Snook _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
