Hello all,

I have a 2000 S-type V8 since new. It has about 47K city miles. Aside from tires, brake pads, so far it went through two sets of coils, 4 window regulators, and one overflow reservoir. It ran fine a week ago. Unfortunately, it is waiting for a donor instrument cluster to run again. I just stumble across a number of posts concerning the transmission and chain tensioner issues which cause me to think should I just cut my losses and get out?

Replacing all the tensioners and chains probably cost about $3K parts and labor. Rebuilding the tranny valve body to add/replace with "SK Shift Kit, new Solenoid Block, and Sonax springs" probably cost about $1K parts and labor. Though I can turn a wrench (replacing above parts), I think these are too big a job for me. From the local paper the best I can get for the car is $6K - $7K, I don't know if the new owner would expect the tensioners and tranny improvement to be already done at this price.

If I spend the $4K for the tensioners and tranny, can I expect a reliable car going forward? Little things go wrong is fine, I rather avoid being stranded somewhere.

What is the likely hood that the tensioners and tranny last another 2 years or 5K city miles?

A great many thanks for your thought.

 

$3K sounds way high to get the tensioners done but I'll let the V6 guys advise. I'd be surprised if you could get $6-7K for your car without them being done nor would I sell it without telling the buyer.

I'd hang on to the car, fix the tensioners immediately and then the transmission when it needs it, if ever.

 

What're you washing dinner down with tonight, Mikey? (I want some) V-6 guys don't have a tensioner issue. I'm persuaded the OP could surely find someone to do the tensioner replacement for $3k....but like you Mikey, I'd say he could also find someone competent to perform the task for less. IIRC, part-costs if you DIY are on the order of $800 but I may be wrong on that....as I said...I'm a V-6 guy with no worries on that issue.


I'm also dubious that a MY2000 would fetch $6k-$7k, even though it is one-owner/low mileage which will play in your favor for a sale.


+1 on Mikey's advice to renew those timing chain tensioners right way - you could be one or two starts from ruining an otherwise healthy engine with lots of mileage left in it.

 

Ooops. This proves that successful multi-tasking is a myth. Half paying attention to TV and half watching what I'm writing makes for .

Brain meant 'pre-face lift' engine not V6. Fingers did not obey.

 

I really must suggest dumping the car now. Get a 2003 and up model. A world of changes and not much money if you actually do want an S Type. Not that many people do.
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