Should I switch to synthetic, will it help?

[zeronero]

Ok, I have read almost all the posts having to do with synthetic oil. I have been using conventional oil since I have owned the car and I am now due for the next oil change. Since my car has 145,000 miles on it now I am know thinking that converting to synthetic will really allow my engine to last longer without as much maintence on parts that suffer from friction. One of these parts being the timing chain and tensioners. They have not been replaced and I am not planning on replacing them, just gonna drive it 'til it dies. Would synthetic help something like this?

[sixto]

Intriguing attitude. The difference in recovery value between a running car and non-running car is greater than the cost of installing a new timing chain... unless you have a really creative tax advisor.

I don't think synthetics from now on will make your timing chain and guide rails last much longer than whatever you're currently using for oil. And I'm not sure I want to know

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

[Rafi]

Zeronero - I have the same attitude about timing chain and guides and running the car until it dies. The difference is I have been using synthetic oil (Mobil 1) since I bought the car when it had 58K now it has 166K. I suspect a chain job is going to be expensive any idea what it would cost? I also agree with sixto any damage is already done synthetic is not going to revitalize worn parts. BTW mine is also 92 400E.

[rdanz]

Using synthetic oil as a replacement for regular maintenence "replacing timing chain" is not the answer.

[MikeTangas]

Timing chain and rails done at a shop will probably be about a $1K job. Not that bad considering the alternative. If you let it go till it dies expect the repair bill to be $4-$5K.

[blackmercedes]

Think about it this way. Suppose the timing chain and rails last until 200,000 miles. What is a decent 400E with 200K-miles on it worth? Suppose that number is $5000.

You could invest $1000 to prop up the salvage value of your asset to $5000. If you don't, and let the engine break, a 400E with a broken engine is worthless.

If you are at the point where you don't want to put any more money into the car, then I would sell it and buy something with lower operating costs.

All IMHO, of course...

[zeronero]

Don't get me wrong, I do take very good care of the car. It's just that I get tired of cars quickly and want a reason to buy a new car, by the time this goes out in about 2 years it will be the perfect time.

The timing chain could have been replaced but I don't know for sure, the records go up to around 100k miles then stop, I purchased the car at 120k miles. The car runs flawlessly, except for occasionally stalling at idle which I think is a carbon build up issue.

If the timing chain replacement is only $1k then I will do it but I was under the impression that is was $3k.

As for selling the car it is pretty much worthless. I was rear ended and kept the cash, all it has is a small amount of cosmetic damage, but will be $4,500 to fix to new.

[81Wagon]

Is timing chain replacement even that much? It looks like the parts aren't more than $200, and it should be around a couple of hours for a competent mechanic (maybe two competent mechanics) to replace it all. I would have thought it'd be more around $500-$600... Unless you're willing and able to try doing it yourself :-)

[MikeTangas]

That 400 is an M119, twin cams in each head. While I will tackle timing chains at home, I wouldn't want to do a 119. I did get the chance to "assist" at my local indy one day on a 119, very tough job without the proper guide. Instead of just keep two cams and a crank in time while rolling in the chain, you have to keep four cams in time. $1K is probably a tad on the high side, but I prefer to guesstimate high.