1989 Lesabre Cam shaft timing gear picture

[JohnD1956]

One of my boys is trying to determine if he should replace the timing chain and gears on his spare motor for his 89 Lesabre t type. This motor came from a 147K Lesabre T Type of the same year, and it ran very nice. But it is on the engine stand at the moment and so he is considering the efficiency of changing the gears and chain now, rather than later when it's in the car.

We pulled the cover expecting to find the old style nylon covered Cam gear. But instead we found a solid metal cam gear. so we don't know if the set has already been replaced.

We are hoping someone has a factory service manual for this model year and can provide a picture of what the original gear looks like.

Just trying to save a buck on a 140K motor going into a 180K car.

Thanks for your help

John d

3757

[Reatta Man]

John,

If you already have the engine on a stand, the cover off and you are looking at the chain and gear set, replacing it is cheap insurance. I would put a new water pump on the engine, also.

Joe

[2seater]

The timing set is relatively pricey, relative to a Chebby, but it is still cheap insurance as long as already open. Replace the little chain tensioner too, as the later designs are a little more durable. The last thing would be to either replace the magnet on the cam sprocket, what GM calls the interupter, or at least JB Weld the thing in place now. It is an all too common problem for the magnet to fall out or disintegrate The engine will probably run like new.