How to change a timing chain on a 2000 Chevy Cavalier

Question

The car has a 100,000 miles on it, it runs decent but makes a tinging/slight grinding noise I've been told by a mechanic friend is the timing chain, he told me I should replace it soon because this type of engine is not a interference engine.

I like to work on my car myself, and recently replaced a timing belt on my 94 camry (with help of course) not too long ago, I have a few parts to this question:

A: How much harder is a timing CHAIN to replace as apposed to a BELT.

B. How much time should I allot myself before taking on the project.

C. My mechanic friend offered to fix it for around 300.00, would be it better to just let him fix it and spend the money or get a Hanes manual, the proper tools and gain the experience for future use?

Answer 1

this would be the 4th chain on this car .it has 231000kms on it.

Answer 2

While they may say it isn't an interference engine, it is.  My chain broke, I changed it (huge job!!!!) and a valve was bent.  Tensioner may be gone.  Oil pan has to be dropped to get to chain cover.  That's the killer.