I am looking at a 94 Sho Automatic with 51k

[seansho]

Hello,
I have been reading through some postings, and I have a couple of questions. With the 60k maintenance of rod bearings, timing belt, water pump, and valves do these to be done all at once? In regard to the Rod Bearings, should they be done at 60k or can it wait til 100k if no issues are present? Now full disclosure, I am new to this forum so your help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[luigisho]

If those miles are correct, I would not worry about rod bearings on an automatic SHO until about 150k miles. Autos seem to be less agressive on rod bearings vs manual. If the timing belt is original, that is mighty long for rubber. Ordinarily I would not do a timing belt in an auto car at 60k but old rubber...Same with all the other rubber functional parts (seals if leaking or exposed for other work, suspension bushings, hoses etc). Unless there are leaks leave most of it alone, if valve covers and everything are leaking then rubber seals all around and look over the hoses (coolant and small rubber brake hoses from brake line to caliper). Could be well preserved and not need anything. So use best judgement on need vs funds.
IF you tackle the t-belt get all the other stuff down there done. and flush the fluids if they are old in every system. Check on the ac for functionality as that can be an expensive job.

 

[seansho]

If those miles are correct, I would not worry about rod bearings on an automatic SHO until about 150k miles. Autos seem to be less agressive on rod bearings vs manual. If the timing belt is original, that is mighty long for rubber. Ordinarily I would not do a timing belt in an auto car at 60k but old rubber...Same with all the other rubber functional parts (seals if leaking or exposed for other work, suspension bushings, hoses etc). Unless there are leaks leave most of it alone, if valve covers and everything are leaking then rubber seals all around and look over the hoses (coolant and small rubber brake hoses from brake line to caliper). Could be well preserved and not need anything. So use best judgement on need vs funds.
IF you tackle the t-belt get all the other stuff down there done. and flush the fluids if they are old in every system. Check on the ac for functionality as that can be an expensive job.

Thank you very much!

 

[luigisho]

Good luck and post it up if you get it.

 

[seansho]

Good luck and post it up if you get it.

Will do!

 

[rubydist]

Timing belts also have an age limit of 10 years, so I would replace it. While I was in there I would do the water pump. I agree that rod bearings on an atx can wait until around 150k miles, and my experience is that valves rarely need adjustment, so if there is no valve clatter then I would wait on both valves and rod bearings.

 

[seansho]

Thank You

 

[Tbird6]

I disagree. I have had 2 ATX SHO's both needed rod bearings around 80K miles. Remember this will destroy your engine if they fail and you spin a bearing so don't mess around. If your not sure drop the oil pan and pull one or more rod caps to inspect. Mine all had copper showing but only on one half of the bearing shell. So I should have changed them out earlier.

The ATX is fairly simple to change the rod bearings with the engine in the car so it's a low cost bit of insurance in my mind.
.
.
.