Timing chain change

[jean7golf]

I have an '02 Echo with about 300,000 kilometres on it (180,000 miles.) I had it in the garage awhile ago and they recommended changing the timing chain when they were putting a new spark plug in cylinder 2 (in response to a trouble light). I assume they were recommending it because there is some oil leaking from the cover. Recently it threw another trouble light P033 (random misfire) so I changed the plugs and it seems to be good. How can you tell that there is a timing chain problem which would require a timing chain replacement as opposed to just a need for a gasket change on that cover? Thanks.

[n00b]

you would have to inspect the chain, or, wait for the chain to jump some teeth and possibly cause some engine damage :P

oil leaking from the cover? that's vague

the chain is supposed to be 'lifetime' so it's up to you...

as for your spark plugs, i assume you now have 4 new plugs?

[jean7golf]

I have read in other forums that normal signs of chain wear are noise, poor fuel consumption, poor acceleration, etc. I noted n00b that you mentioned skipping of teeth. If I was to take the cover off what might I notice with the chain? If there is a problem with it being stretched what would I see in terms of condition? Are there any other things to note respecting chain
wear?

[n00b]

The only thing you could probably check for would be cracks in the chain but that doesn't do much because what you can see is maybe 1/4 of the total chain. And, I seriously doubt you will find anything wrong with the timing chain system. The only way to do an inspection is to take out the engine and if you were to do that, you might as well put in new parts. Or, drop in a low km used engine.

[dorman68]

My coworker has a 2001 Echo with 201000 miles on it, the timing chain is original with no issues.

[jambo101]

I would imagine you would have to also replace the sprockets as well when replacing the chain.Personally unless the chain is making horrendous noises or jumping off the sprocket i'd just leave it alone as replacement costs could amount to more than the car is worth..

[Yaris Hilton]

If there were any tooth skipping or significant chain stretching, the cam position sensor would trigger the check engine light. I wouldn't change it.

[jean7golf]

Thanks for the last couple of comments. They were helpful. I have some oil leaking from that location. If anyone was guessing, and I haven't taken off the timing chain cover, what do you think it might be?

[Yaris Hilton]

Any removable cover can develop a leak. If it's bothersome, take it off and replace the gasket (if it has one.)