Questions and Answers
Timing And Compression
Q. I have been reading up on previously asked questions about timing and engine compression, so this might be a too part question. I own a 1995 Chevrolet Pickup with a 5.7 liter TBI that has just about 170,000 miles on it. It runs great, has lots of power, goes through maybe an 1/8 of a quart of oil between oil changes if that much. No smoke and no leaks.
So my questions are should I or can I assume that the engine is still getting very good compression with both the piston rings and the valves, or should I still do a compression check? Also there is a ticking noise, not a knock, but like a clock ticking while pressing the gas peddle, and it goes faster the more throttle I give. Does this indicate off timing? It only happens when in gear driving. The noise is not there while revving the engine in neutral or at idle when the truck is stopped, or when the engine is first started.
The reason for asking this is that I want to replace the timing gears/chain, camshaft and distributor assembly and I don't want to do all this work if it would be better just to rebuild the engine.
Thanks...
A. This is a tough question! Especially if the engine is running good! My thought on this is with over 100,000 on it, you would probably need some extensive machine work to the engine to overhaul it. Possibly re-bore cylinders. to remove taper and out-of-round. What I'm trying to say is that if it were me, I would wait to see what develops with the noise you hear.
I would also look into replacing the engine with a "Goodwrench" new or remanufactured. engine and replace all the external stuff for added longevity such as the starter, water pump, distributor, and TBI unit. This would be some serious money, but if you like the truck, it makes more sense to do this than overhaul the one you have.
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