Timing chains

[Bern 0]

My VR has done 88,000 miles, didn't get any history with the car so i don't know if its ever had anything replaced on the engine, a lot of people say the chains almost never need replacing and other people say they do, i'm a bit confused as to what will need replacing or not on the engine? It seems to be running fine and sounds quiet and smooth i just want to know any precautions to take with it?

Things to check or replace, i plan to do an oil change soon and new spark plugs, oil filter.

Its a 1994 2.8 VR6.

Thanks in advance

[Damo 85 0]

hey up mate! where bouts in manchester u from? not seen you around so far lol. just give it a good service, oil, filters, plugs possibly coolant etc. chains only really need looking at once they get noisy. just had mine done a few weeks ago at 90,000 as they were starting to rattle a little. otherwise leave em as they are....

[Bern 0]

I'm in Blackley mate, where are you? Thanks for reply

[Damo 85 0]

Stockport / Hyde area mate. no worries

[FishWick 21]

chains only really need looking at once they get noisy.

That's not true.

I've seen several VR6 engines with completely f'cked tensioners and the owner assumed they were fine because there was no rattling.

That is the kind of misinformation that appears in the magazine buying guides. Visual inspection is the ONLY way to be sure.

[Bern 0]

At what sort of mileage should the chains be checked?

[VR6Pete 1,455]

theres no rule of thumb with this, if your worried, then its not difficult to inspect the guides etc... for peace of mind, i'd expect you want to do it sooner though.

[Phat VR6 3]

on your car been a 1994 at around 80-90 k around nowish lol

[VR6Pete 1,455]

yes, you would have the earlier tensioners etc... which wear more than the later ones.