I started my saturn sc2 2001 this morning and it instantly died. Tried to crank again and got that "no compression" sound. Guessing my chain or the tensioner went. What are the odds i can replace the chain without the motor being toast?

If the chain went, you''d know it. It would of been making quite a bit of noise for the past several days or weeks. And if it did, your valves would be bent.

How badly has the engine been abused to lead you to this conclusion?

I dont know. I bought it used. It only has 80k on it. I drive it decently and it really didnt make noise except for start up...it just sounded like a mild lifter noise then went away after warming up.

The timing chain should last the life of the car. The only times it doesnt is when people go too long between oil changes or let the oil get too low and continue to run the engine.

I''d remove the valve cover to verify the timing chain still has tension if thats what you suspect.

ok. wish I knew the history but I dont. :( Thanks for the info.

I did a timing chain replacement on a 1994 SL2 with only 120,000 miles on it. When the guy drove it to my house I couldnt believe the sound it was making. Just a tiny bit more abuse and that engine would of been toast.