Timing Belt toast...

Cygnus X1 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-21-09, 04:28 PM

Well after only 15,000km the timing belt has to be replaced already, I'm not happy but I'm not giving hope on GM. Is this common for the 3.6 DI ?

smithb · #2 (**permalink**) 04-21-09, 04:34 PM

According to GM powertrain, it has a timing chain. So I would say it is not common.

smithb · #3 (**permalink**) 04-21-09, 04:41 PM

Just for fun, I looked it up. Sorry for the small image, but 18 is the primary and secondary timing chain. They are $25 and $29 respectively from gmpartsdirect.com. If you like belts, you could buy a Honda with a timing belt and pay $500 every 60k miles for a new one.

Cygnus X1 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-21-09, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smithb

If you like belts, you could buy a Honda with a timing belt and pay $500 every 60k miles for a new one.

So you think after 15,000 km it's acceptable? I'm not too worried about the price since it's under warranty anyways it's just the idea have one going so soon.

smithb · #5 (**permalink**) 04-21-09, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cygnus X1

So you think after 15,000 km it's acceptable? I'm not too worried about the price since it's under warranty anyways it's just the idea have one going so soon.

Sorry if I sounded snotty, that was not my intention. My point was we don't have this part, so it is not an issue.

My other intent was to say that we have a timing chain that will likely last longer than most everything else in the car. If we had a timing belt, it would have to be replaced as "routine maintenance" and would be a large additional expense.

If whoever told you the timing belt was bad meant a timing chain, then it was probably just a fluke. There is discussion on the SRX website about some bad timing chains in the old 3.6 (which uses a different chain), but it appears to be a bad batch found mostly in the 2005 model year cars. I would bet they were all built around the same time as well, but the discussion has not been that specific. Even if a bad batch was out there, it is doubtful your replacement will also be bad. I would venture to say it is not a design deficiency since there haven't been any other complaints I've seen and they've made hundreds of thousands of these motors in various applications. Good luck.

SIN-7 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-22-09, 06:15 PM

I'm kind of wondering if the this timing chain is a common issue too?

My 2008 cts has 30,000km's and is in the shop right now getting the timing chains replaced.

C&C · #7 (**permalink**) 05-22-09, 07:34 PM

Timing chains can last hundreds of thousands of miles (though an abused engine can see failures at a much earlier time). No, your timing chain should not go out in 15K km. I/we are all assuming that you are talking about the cam timing chain and not the serpentine belt that drives the accessories. Even that, the serpentine belt, should last longer than you describe (unless you have a bad pulley or just got a bad belt).

928S · #8 (**permalink**) 05-22-09, 07:39 PM

Cygnus X1,

Just curious...have you experienced many delayed kickdowns?

Don't know if it's harmful to the timing chain, but the engine drive belt (owner's manual p. 6-14) can squeal like a pig during kickdowns - i.e., you're cruising 30-60 mph, auto tranny in "D," punch the gas pedal for sudden acceleration (to avoid getting rear-ended or broad-sided when changing lanes, passing, or turning left across oncoming traffic), but instead of instant response, the car's forward momentum stalls as engine rpm's rev to near-redline, tranny disengages to search for correct gear, and eventually downshifts to a lower, often too low, gear.

greyghost04 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-22-09, 07:40 PM

There appears there was a problem with an inordinate amount of chains, it's covered under warrantee and hopefully you got a fun free rental while they fix it, and a wash..

SIN-7 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-22-09, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greyghost04

There appears there was a problem with an inordinate amount of chains, it's covered under warrantee and hopefully you got a fun free rental while they fix it, and a wash..

So does that mean they have resolved this issue with stronger chains?

greyghost04 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-22-09, 08:43 PM

One hopes so.

C "T" ess · #12 (**permalink**) 05-23-09, 08:54 AM

from what I have read, there was a bunch of bad timing chains. The article did not mention how many just that there were some and the warranty was picking up those beyond the warranty period if the identified chain was with-in the build dates. It's interesting that the few I have seen on this forum involved non-USA vehicles. I wonder how that is possible.

928S · #13 (**permalink**) 05-23-09, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greyghost04

There appears there was a problem with an inordinate amount of chains...

What is the basis for your comment? How about sharing with the rest of us?

Quote:

Originally Posted by C "T" ess

from what I have read, there was a bunch of bad timing chains. The article did not mention how many just that there were some and the warranty was picking up those beyond the warranty period if the identified chain was with-in the build dates.

What article? When, where? Any attribution, name of author, title of article, publication, or website (link, cut-n-paste) might help others find and save for future reference in the event of a timing chain failure.

Thanks, guys.

BTW - I googled and found nothing about defective GM 3.6L DI timing chains, only this item about the design: "The 3.6L V6 VVT DI has a new timing chain with a smaller pitch (7.7 mm compared to 9.5mm previously) and more links. The chain features an inverted tooth design. The smaller links engage at a lower impact speed, which decreases the noise generated. In conjunction with the new chain, the number of teeth on the sprockets is also increased, increasing the meshing frequency and further reducing noise and vibration. The new timing chain is a running change that will occur in all of GM Powertain’s V6 VVT engines through the course of the 2007 model year." http://www.gmpowertrain.ca/Product/3.6%20VVT%20DI/LLT%20Summary.pdf

WOOLMAN2 · #14 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 08:35 AM

I just took mine in yesterday for a timing chain problem at 28K

ewill3rd · #15 (**permalink**) 09-09-09, 09:22 AM

There were chain issues in production. I haven't heard anything that would indicate it is a widespread issue but if the car is under warranty it will be getting better parts installed.
A lot of the updated chains are on backorder.

It is a machine, machines break, that is what a warranty is for.
It has been happening since before the invention of the automobile, not sure why it is such a surprise to anyone but yet it seems to be every day.