94 V6 timing belt or?

[matthewwp]

I have a 94 GA with 5 speed front wheel drive.
The engine just conked out one day so we paid a mechanic $1800 to replace a timing chain/belt and fix all other problems. It ran great for 9 months, then just died. Mechanic says timing belt/chain again and maybe oil pump.
Is this common? The car ran great and was maintained how could it do the same thing 9 months later? I want to fix it myself this time. I have more time than money and don't trust any mechanics here anymore.
I am a decent shade tree mechanic and have replaced timing chains and done lots of top end engine work, lifters, carbs, head gaskets etc. Am I over my head?

Peace, Matt, Nashville

[sunrunner_pei]

A V6/5-speed combo? Interesting! It didn't come that way from the factory. :)

Which V6 do you have in the car? A 1994 would normally have the 3100, but I'm not sure if it was the transmission swapped in, or if they swapped in the V6 and the car originally had the Quad4.

The 3400 is not known for timing chain failures. :( Sounds to me like he didn't have the tensioner set properly, but I'm far from an expert on engine internals.

[matthewwp]

I'm not sure maybe it's a 93 or the other engine; it's a V6 w/ stick shift I know that much. Where can this info be found?
Thankx
Matt, Nashville

[Matt95GT]

Sounds more likely that you either have a Quad 4 w/ 5-speed manual (not V6... although I've seen dealers mislabel them too) or you counted 1 gear too many on the 4-speed automatic on the 3100.

Either way, but the 3100 V6 and all Quad 4 varieties use a timing chain, not a belt. But... I'd need to know which engine it is before I have any useful advice.

[Matt95GT]

Originally posted by matthewwp
I'm not sure maybe it's a 93 or the other engine; it's a V6 w/ stick shift I know that much. Where can this info be found?
Thankx
Matt, Nashville

What is the 8th digit in your VIN code?
M = 3100 V6
A = Quad 4 DOHC HO
D = Quad 4 DOHC LD2
3 = Quad OHC (SOHC)