Timing Belt/Chain???

OK, I have the 1989 Thunderbird with the Standard V6/3.8.

I just had a couple questions about the timing belt or chain. The first is, does this vehicle have a timing belt or timing chain???

And I heard a general rule is to replace the timing belt/chain every 50,000 miles or 5 years. Right now I have a little over 157,000 miles and I only had my Bird for a little over a year. So I dont have a clue when the timing belt/chain was replaced last. Should I just replace it asap?

And last but not least, are these Birds prone to having timing belt/chain problems? I talked to one mechanic and he said with my car, I really wouldnt have to worry about the timing chain (timing chain is what he refered to it as, I'm not sure however if its a chain or belt). Now I can't imagine this part is so reliable that I wouldnt have to ever give it a second thought.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated too. Thanks.....

The 3.8 uses a timing chain. You really shouldn't have to worry about it if the car is running well, it will let you know when it needs replaced. A good way to tell is by shooting the timing, if it bounces around the timing chain is probably shot. Another way to tell is by rotating the crank back and forth by hand with the distributor cap off, watching the rotor. If it doesnt move as you're moving the crank then again there is a good chance theres a lot of slop in the timing chain and it will need replaced.

overl0rd, you seem to be pretty knowledgeable. how difficult in your expert opinion would it be for an experienced mechanic to replace the timing chain? and how long should it take?

Not sure how many labor hours are called for, but I'll look into it. As for the job itself, its fairly involved since you'd need to basically strip the front of the motor, including pulling the balancer and dropping the oil pan.

I'm planning on asking my mechanic how difficult a job that would be for him. I wanted to just replace the timing chain, but if its to involved, and if its not a part i really need worry myself over, I may reconsider those plans, at least until after winter has passed.

I may just have him inspect it the way you suggested overl0rd.

Thanks.....

One last question, what would be the signs of a faulty or failing timing chain????

One last question, what would be the signs of a faulty or failing timing chain????
If the chain has a lot of slop in it, it will make the cam timing erratic which will in turn make ignition timing erratic which equates to a rough running mobile. If it fails completely the crank and cam not turn together which can turn ugly. Again, if its running well I wouldnt worry too much about it.