Timing chain on 2011 LR4?

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djkaosone

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Has anyone replaced their own timing chain? If so, what am I in for as far as specialty tools and additional items I should replace while doing this?

Fyi, I've got a lot of stuff, water pump, thermostat, new updated thermostat hoses, upper cooling hose pipe, alternator, serpentine belt, coil packs, spark plugs, high pressure fuel pumps and similar stuff replaced already and its running really well. The only reason I noticed the timing chain noise was from driving up to Yosemite with the hood liner and engine cover removed.

I'm looking for someone to point me in the right direction on things I need to complete this diy project.
 

Ric in Richmond

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Has anyone replaced their own timing chain? If so, what am I in for as far as specialty tools and additional items I should replace while doing this?

Fyi, I've got a lot of stuff, water pump, thermostat, new updated thermostat hoses, upper cooling hose pipe, alternator, serpentine belt, coil packs, spark plugs, high pressure fuel pumps and similar stuff replaced already and its running really well. The only reason I noticed the timing chain noise was from driving up to Yosemite with the hood liner and engine cover removed.

I'm looking for someone to point me in the right direction on things I need to complete this diy project.


Just had mine done. I am a good home mechanic who isn't put off by much. I looked at the specialty tools, amount of work, possibility of not getting it right and paid a shop to do it.

19 hours. About $3500 bucks total.

Nice and quiet. Really stupid design flaws.
 

djkaosone

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19 hours. About $3500 bucks
Wow... that much huh? I'm pretty advanced in doing a lot of my own work. Done all of my other cars timing belts and such. If I were to shell out that much just for timing chains, I'm seriously debating about an LS conversion.
 

Ric in Richmond

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Wow... that much huh? I'm pretty advanced in doing a lot of my own work. Done all of my other cars timing belts and such. If I were to shell out that much just for timing chains, I'm seriously debating about an LS conversion.
That is a cheap price too....dealer would be another grand.

A well thought out LS swap would be a very nice option.
 

scott schmerge

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That is a cheap price too....dealer would be another grand.

A well thought out LS swap would be a very nice option.

I got a quote for $4000 for my independent shop for the entire job, including new chain. It’s my understanding though that the chains are usually fine but the tensioners are really the failure point. For that job I was quoted $1500. Stupid design, I agree.

The tensioner job seems to be less involved and as I understand it, with fewer tools required.

I’m also considering the job. It looks pretty deep, but not overly complex.

If you end up giving it a go, let us know how it goes.
 

djkaosone

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A well thought out LS swap would be a very nice option.
I don't mind sharing this tidbit of information, but I unfortunately live in California. With BAR regulations, I will have to run a donor engine with all of its emissions. It has to be from a truck that's 2011 and newer, since mine is a 2011. I was going to run with a L83 5.3L engine, but that would include overhauling everything and custom wire a lot of things to make the suspension and other things work (front lockers, hi/lo transfer case, etc...). My only real issue was getting the stock L83 exhaust manifolds to fit. It's a tad wider than our engine bay, from what I gathered. They make custom ones, but that ultimately fails the visual California BAR field test even if it passes smog and everything else. The whole endeavor would cost less than $5k if I were to do it myself, considering there was a kit with motor mounts, bell housing, exhaust manifolds (illegal), and engine harness, and for a used 2013 L83 complete engine.

Since it was a huge project and it may not pass the BAR because of the exhaust manifolds, I've decided to go down the "easy" route change out the timing chain, timing chain guides, tensioner, and everything else (water pump, thermostat, fuel injectors, valve cover, gaskets, etc...) myself. While I'm digging in there, I found that https://www.rcfuelinjection.com will do direct injector cleaning and replace your o-rings if you provide them. They're charging me $25/per injector or $200 for the job and it's based out in Torrance (LA), CA, which is 1.5 hours away from me. I'm shipping it once they're out, and this will be an after work kind of job that'll take a week to complete. So, no big hurry to get the injectors back. I've already sourced all the parts. I'll document pictures for you guys. I don't do videos, but I can make an exception for the difficult areas.
 

atlanticbritish

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Wow... that much huh? I'm pretty advanced in doing a lot of my own work. Done all of my other cars timing belts and such. If I were to shell out that much just for timing chains, I'm seriously debating about an LS conversion.

We are actually in the process now of doing a complete install and overview video of the Timing Chain Kit install on a 2011 Range Rover Full Size vehicle with our master technician. Video should be ready for viewing sometime late next week.

The LR4 uses the same timing chain kit and tools, so process will be very similar. This is the Kit and this is the Tool Set needed.

The video will include the replacement of the water pump as well as some other ancillary parts that are usually ready for replacement as well when the timing chain is and that you want to replace when everything is taken down and disassembled.

As others have stated, it's a bear of a job and not something we are recommending for the DIY'er, but the video should give those contemplating it the info they need to decide if they want to do it.

I will advise here once the video is up and posted.

Cheers!
 

Quijote

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Awesome! Thanks!

(I have a 2013 and as such I'd like to think I am immune, but that is great nevertheless)
 

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