I've had this car since 2003 when it had 70,000 miles on it. It now has 435,000. I've used synthetic oil in it and changed the transmission fluid/filter twice. Car still runs perfect with NO engine or transmission work. I plan on driving this car on long trips and want to minimize the possibility of a major breakdown while on the road. Is it a good idea to replace the timing chain/gears/oil pump/water pump now as preventative maintenance? My mechanic said there is a good amount of slack in the chain. He had a socket on the harmonic balancer on the crank and moved it back and forth. I bought aftermarket parts for all of the above described for $160.00 Mecanic's labor estimate is $250.00 I also have considered doing the work myself and wonder how difficult it is to do. The last timing chain I did was on a 1972 Plymouth and a 1963 Mercury with lots of room to work as the engines were mounted differently, not sideways as they are now. Your advice is appreciated as would be a site or link to step by step instructions to do the job. I'm thinking for $250.00, let a professional do it. This includes installing an oil pump repair kit. Thank you. Mike
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Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 12:13 PM