sometimes  you are lucky

bought a 1997 2.5 a couple of weeks ago
was told the bottom end was shot but was in good condition otherwise so i bought it for  spares sight unseen
was delivered last friday heard it coming down the road had a lovely knock
had a look saturday thought does not sound like bottom end
took front cover off to find tensioner had started to collapse,
asked in parts wanted for a used but useable tensioner and Serek came up trumps 
didn't want to buy a new one if engine was knackered
anyway timed it all up today(first v6 ive done) all  cams were 2-3 teeth out was not looking promising but persevered tentioned everything checked it over to make sure it was right and crossed fingers
flicked the key she started instantly no knocks rattles or misses haapy me
the car has done 83000 miles
the tensioner holder had a date stamp of 97 on it so original i would think
belt looks like its never been done

so please if your not sure change your belt and tensioners

Fantastic news, well done 

mantagte wrote on 27. Mar 2010 at 22:09:




I think the mileage explains what happened.. it was on its last legs .. but it was your luck.. now you have a good working car