Uh..do I need to do this?

Dyno247365 · #1 07-04-2006, 01:17 PM

I've been discussing replacing the timing chain with everyone on this board for my nissan and had heard that the KA24 timing chain is a constant problem. I spent about 150 for the parts to fix it and I'm starting to take apart the engine and then I look at the chain, which looks fine. I know it's hitting the valvecover but it never once gave me a problem for 3 years. So, do the chains need to be immediately replaced or should it be replaced when it actually causes troubles? I got a walkthrough for this and it says a 10-12 hour job or 700 labor and that it gets replaced when it needs to be replaced.

Retard324 · #2 07-04-2006, 01:45 PM

Remove the top and drivers side chain guides. In a TSB, they were described as "obsolete". Bad design by Nissan. The top guide is listed in some places as a tensioner, but it can still be removed. No need to replace anything unless you find something that looks worn. The guides are what causes the infamous Timing Chain Rattle.

Dyno247365 · #3 07-04-2006, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retard324

Remove the top and drivers side chain guides. In a TSB, they were described as "obsolete". Bad design by Nissan. The top guide is listed in some places as a tensioner, but it can still be removed. No need to replace anything unless you find something that looks worn. The guides are what causes the infamous Timing Chain Rattle.

I know exactly what it's doing just by looking at the valve cover too. The passenger's side of the chain, before the guide is stretching (just that side) and hitting the cover.

nissan_240sx · #4 07-05-2006, 04:58 AM

Yeah they may look in good condition, but then tend to sag. My friend NEVER changed his timing chain (bought it in 91 brand new from nissan) he said it still looked good, we opened it up after it broke down and found no chain on lol, lifted the head and found bits and pieces on the bottom block and in the oil pan. Basicly the chain exploded lol, probably best not to wait for a problem to happen and spend more time and $$$ lol

rollhard · #5 07-05-2006, 01:27 PM

I have driven an S13 with the original timign chain to over 200k miles. Engines with timing chains are designed to give the owner the convinience of not having to have the timing belt replaced. Now, if the car missed an oil change, was poorly taken care of at anytime...well then youll have a problem. Thats thw major downside of buying a used car.

Dyno247365 · #6 07-05-2006, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollhard

I have driven an S13 with the original timign chain to over 200k miles. Engines with timing chains are designed to give the owner the convinience of not having to have the timing belt replaced. Now, if the car missed an oil change, was poorly taken care of at anytime...well then youll have a problem. Thats thw major downside of buying a used car.

I admit that it's scary not to know but I really don't care and just give it TLC. I'm doing the oil change today and I'll save the parts for another time. I don't mean to fix it when it goes, just that when it's actually giving me a problem more than now.

rollhard · #7 07-05-2006, 05:57 PM

For those of you who wonder this also. You can send your oil out to get tested for about $20. Its well worth it. I do it for most customers here. They will tell you everything that is in our oil and can tell if you are getting wear on your bearings, cams, etc from what is found. Heck I sent them oil about a month ago, wrote down that it was 5w30, even though i mixed in about 1qt of 5w20 out of 7qts and they told me that! Blackstone labs is the place.

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