I have a 2000 Saturn SL, does the motor in this car have a timing belt or chain? I have 90,000 miles on this car, it runs great, but I bought this car used and do not know if it has a chain or belt, can anyone help. thx P.S. do you know what the approx cost would be to replace this belt? Thank you

Has it got a chain or a belt. The belts do break and this can damage the valves or pistons. I have never heard of a timing chain breaking, they usually just get loose and need replacing but they shouldn't give any engine problems. At the mileage though the engine may be worn and may be loosing compression and burning oil. A compression test should show this.

to be honest im not sure if you have a timing belt or chain if its a chain i would not worry about it going bad on the other hand if its a belt they do recomend that you have them checked around 100,00 miles. shop around for the best deal and if they tell you it needs changed make them show it to you and tell them you want to compair it to a new one so you can see if its worn out for yourself. never just take there word..it can be a little expensive...

Yes every 90,000 miles.

ls or sl two different models. 3.0 v6 has a belt kind of tricky take it to a shop. the chain on the sl or ls 4cyl 2.2 or 2.4 is also kinda tricky. the motor will be junk if you mess the timing up so leave it to a pro. there are a lot of out of work saturn guys around this would be a good side job.

Usually around 90,000 miles.

IT HAS A CHAIN BROTHA!!!!! I HAVE THE SAME SATURN AND I JUST REPLACED THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSION RAILS TOO, YOU CAN BUY THEM AS A KIT.

belt, it should be replaced every 90,000 miles

this engine has a timing chain .they ussually start making noise at about 80000 miles.

The 3.3 litre Solara V6 has a timing belt.
This belt is recommended to be replaced every 90,000 miles.
Please feel free to comment back if you have any other questions.
Hope this helps, and Thanks for Choosing FixYa.

Replace the timing belt at 90,000 miles.

It will not damage the motor (bend the valves) if it breaks or jumps time

Finally, if you do change the belt, make sure that the water pump is inspected very close for any evidence of coolant seepage at the impeller shaft weep hole. If there is ANY evidence of wetness or leakage, replace the pump then. Easier to change the pump when the belt is off, than to have to do the whole job if the leak gets worse, and, if it leaks down the road, coolant on the timing belt will damage the belt, and you will have to buy a new belt, too. Change the plugs at 90 K miles, too.