Extremely needed and useful content dear Ken L (And you had been supporting my presence here 2 years ago with that irksome PCM issue, if you still recall it). Here, I have to clarify some point: The engine used on my 1995 Pontiac is bought from a local firm that imports used engines from all around the world and sells them as (fit to replace the original engine of Pontiac Transport & Grand Am models). The engine itself is already the same as the typical engine used on this car: i.E, a DOHC QUAD4 engine with a metal induction manifold, but the following differences distinguish it from the old one used on this car due to having a double-row timing chain, one that is exactly the same as that of Mercedes engines' timing gear:
1. The Timing Case is "higher", meaning: it gets closer to the right-hand upper engine mount. This is to allow for the double row sprockets of the camshafts as well as those of the water-pump and the crankshaft).
2. It has a provision for lubricant vent /Pressure relief of the timing case in the form of an opening within the aluminum case itself (facing front) whereas the typical old timing case has this vent line as a metal tube within the steel cover of the timing case. The metal tube is attached to the black plastic box on top of the induction manifold through a rubber hose.
3. The geometry of the timing case edges differ from the typical timing case housing a single-row chain and sprockets. The steel cover is not interchangeable here and there.
So, what happened to my engine? The mechanic caused the timing case to endure a fracture right where the tensioner is attached. He welded and machined the weld location and then mounted the whole thing again. The engine is running fine, but there is a lot of lubricant seeping from the back of the timing case. It seems that the welding caused some warpage to the aluminum case, the high pressure oil pumped by the oil pump is finding a way out right where the back of the timing case is screwed onto the engine right side where the oil comes out of the oil pump and right into the timing case to enter the tensioner. I need to fine me a sound aluminum case and replace mine because the mechanic tried attaching it 2 times, but the oil still leaks out losing some 2 liters for a distance traveled of 80 miles. So, what I need most is to know what engine is mine? On what American vehicle it is basically used? Some Chevy, Oldsmobile cavalier may be, or perhaps a sports car with a Turbo feature may be.
Monday, January 15th, 2024 AT 12:54 AM